Prof. Jalal Dabeek, Director of the Urban Planning and Disaster Risk Reduction Centre at An-Najah University and a member of the Advisory Board of the Arab Science, Technology, and Academia Group (STAG), was invited to represent An-Najah University at this significant gathering. The conference aimed to address critical issues related to disaster risk reduction and resilience-building strategies in Arab and African regions.

During the conference's inaugural dialogue session, Prof. Jalal Dabeek delivered a compelling presentation that explored the concept of risk assessment and management. His presentation included a comprehensive discussion of three essential strategies to enhance the resilience of societies and nations against disaster risks. Moreover, Prof. Dabeek highlighted the vital intersections between these strategies, climate change, sustainable development, and the reduction of various risk categories, emphasizing their integration into disaster risk management frameworks, encompassing both extensive and intensive risks.

The event witnessed active participation from diverse delegations representing several Arab and African countries, as well as the presence of prominent researchers and experts from around the world, representing various international institutions. The conference featured dialogue sessions dedicated to the four key priorities aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The conference, held at the Palais des Congrès in Tunisia's capital, concluded with the unanimous adoption of the "Tunisia Call." This declaration calls for the development of an Arab-African strategy grounded in science and technology, with substantial input from academia and the private sector, aimed at mitigating natural disaster risks and advancing sustainable development.

From the Palestinian perspective, An-Najah University was also represented by a delegation from the National Center for Disaster Risk Management in Palestine. The delegation was led by Mr. Hassan Abu Al-Aila, Head of the Center, and Dr. Wasel Ghanem. Their active participation included engaging in discussions and meetings with fellow participants from various Arab countries and international and UN institutions, contributing to the broader dialogue on disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts.