Waleed El-Haj

Activist, Business leader, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Event planner, Muslim, Policy maker, Project manager

I am a youth activist who began his journey as a volunteer in 2006. I have worked in a various civil society organization and start up number of youth initiatives, eventually I decided to establish a youth organization in 2011 that aimed to be a platform for young people. Through the organization I managed to open a voluntary unit that includes 6000 volunteers so far. The conflict has affected my life as well as the organization thus my efforts now are growing bigger to spread positivity and think of alternatives for young people including myself. I am very passionate about community activitism and voluntary work and I see the future of the country in the hand of young people who believe in collaboration and mass support. I am proficient at working in teams, possess a self-starter work ethic. My past experience has given me a great exposure to humanitarian intervention international working standards, principles, ethics and regulations. I've gained skills on prioritizing, organizing, focusing on details and carrying tasks solely if needed. I was able to successfully handle work delegated to me and complete assignments in a timely manner. I am also a trainer on different subjects like advocacy, community mobilization, and peace building. I demonstrated a strong ability to act as a team player and team leader.

Ali Almarani is a former TEDx Sana'a speaker who has lost one of his eyes though he was able to create a change in his life and inspired many young people to continue their hard work toward better future. I was one of these people, Ali's talks have helped me to renew my determination and well to continue my fight in the life battle of conflict affected city. I have decided to support TEDx teams in all their events. In TEDx Sana’a Kids I was the focal point between team and donors and also, I was managing 15 team members based in Sana’a, Aden, Taiz, Hudaidah and Hadermout governorates who were visiting schools and civil society working with children to reach out to children who can participate in the event. In both TEDx Sana’a live and women I was part of the speakers committee who were responsible to conduct interviews with the possible speakers and chose the speakers and then train them to facilitate their talks according to TEDx regulations. So, I want to continue the support to this powerful platform that has inspired thousands of people in the world including myself.

As per my experience I have a very good relationship with stakeholder and INGOs. Also, I am active in social media therefore I will be able reach out to young people.