2009 Regional Conference in Turkey - Video

Post Conference Impressions

Being part of the 2009 Middle East/Africa Regional Conference was a great and unforgettable event. There were deep friendships, amazing sessions, fun and life-long experiences. Every year by coming together we discover our potential as one united region. We shared knowledge and learned what's going on around the entire region.

Being part of the host chapter and having so many different nationalities come together in such a great conference and cause was an honor for me.

Burcu Ozturk
Izmir, Turkey

Post Conference Impressions

Coming together as people from the Middle East/Africa region has been an inspiring experience! The conference has served to provide the delegates an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas about projects, as well as foster international friendships that will last a lifetime!

PTPI has the unique ability to inspire, motivate and engage people in meaningful dialogue which changes the perceptions of incorrect stereotypes that so often lead to misunderstandings between cultures. The mission of "peace through understanding" has been lived each day through special moments shared between the youth of Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Nigeria and South Africa. We will all leave this conference with love overflowing from our hearts; tomorrow the world CAN be a better place if you and I both care!

Megan Van Eck
Durban, South Africa

July 1 - Departures

All delegates of the 2009 Middle East/Africa Regional Conference have departed to their home cities from Izmir, Turkey. More posts and videos to come in the coming few days giving you an overview what has happened during this yearly regional event.

June 30 - Working across Borders

The last day of the 2009 Middle East/Africa Regional Conference was full of energy, ideas and passion for a better world. The delegates had the opportunity to implement what they have learned for the past days into implementing action plans to fit the Middle East/Africa region. Delegates have sat together and came up with problems and issues that needs to be addressed in several communities around the region. Then they have narrowed the list down to a theme of activities to be implemented across borders until we meet again in the 2010 Middle East/Africa Regional Conference. More details and to learn more about the action plan, please make sure to visit our People to People International Middle East/Africa Regional web site: http://www.ptpime.org/ All the information needed will be uploaded soon on the web site. All chapters across the region will be able to join this regional effort and many great activities to come. The four projects that were initiated by the delegates this year is just the stepping stone towards one region united to bring the world into a better place.

June 29 - Excursions

After many interesting discussions about stakeholders and social entrepreneurship, we all headed for a full day excursions around Izmir and other places a little bit outside. We have visited: Artemis Temple, House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus Temple and Sirince Village. At the end of the day, the Cultural center has hosted a special Turkish night for PTPI delegates and official welcoming us to Turkey.

June 29 - Social Entrepreneurship as Conflict Resolution Strategy

Today we have started with a Synergize session that was conducted by the sea side where all the delegates divided into groups to try to use resources around them to build things they were told to do. While having team leaders to direct them and then switching team heads into other groups...etc. It was fun and interesting to look at different leader's perspective and seeing the entire team engaging together. Afterwards, the delegates had the opportunity to learn and discuss many different points of view and distinctions of social entities, NGOs, social responsible businesses (Corporate Social Responsibility), foundations and business organizations through Stakeholders and Social Entrepreneurship Session.

June 28 - Negotiation as Conflict Resolution tool

After breakfast the delegates had enjoyed several sessions that were powerful and deep. Starting with Society in a Room session, Introduction about Negotiation & Conflict Resolution , and ended with the Story Telling Session.

Through those activities they had the chance to learn about different societies and the importance of their role as individuals in each and every community. Then they got to learn about conflict resolution and types of conflicts as well as how to perceive those conflicts and try their best to resolve it. Afterwards, they had the chance to get to discuss different negotiation techniques that will help them on the personal and professional levels. Moreover, the session day ended with a personal story telling of each and everyone personal conflict that they have resolved or still working on resolving. This was definitely a deep discussion that brought everyone together and made huge bonds that will for sure last a life-time.

Then, we had an amazing italian dinner on the sea. (Happy Birthday to Megan from South Africa & Burcu from Turkey).

June 27 - Cocktail Reception & Opening Dinner

The day ended with a nice cocktail reception hosted by the Mayor of Izmir. Then we had the official opening dinner in one of the popular restaurants in Izmir, Turkey. The restaurant was overlooking a very elegant and nice scenery. Everyone dressed up and celebrated the opening of the 2009 Middle East/Africa Regional Conference.

Cocktail Reception

Opening Dinner

June 27 - Ice Breaking Session & Chapter Presentations

All the delegates had the chance to know about themselves first, then their peers through an ice-breaking session. Afterwards, the chapters represented at the conference had the time to share their activities with everyone via an interactive powerpoint presentation.

June 27 - Welcome Session!

Saturday, June 27, 2009 was the official opening of the 2009 Middle East/Africa Regional Conference in Izmir, Turkey. We started the day with breakfast at the hotel then we had the official opening session that had opening remarks by PTPI's Chairman of Board of Trustees, Troy Nash; PTPI's Vice Chairman of Middle East/Africa of Board of Trustees, Hany Adly; and PTPI's Middle East/Africa Liaison, Ahmed Roushdy. By the end of the remarks, there was a presentation about the latest developments and achievements in the region by Ahmed Roushdy.

June 26 - Arrivals

Hello all - thanks for following the 2009 Middle East/Africa Regional Conference that is taking place right now from June 26 - July 1, 2009 in Izmir, Turkey. Our delegates from Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey have arrived safely to our conference hotel in downtown Izmir. Delegates from Lebanon and Morocco are arriving early on Saturday. (We will keep you posted).

Today was basically arrivals. We had a nice Turkish dinner and all can't wait for the opening celebration of the conference tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Enjoy the first pictures to be uploaded from the conference below.

2009 Middle East/Africa Regional Conference

Welcome!

2009 Middle East/Africa Regional Conference

June 26 - July 1, 2009

Izmir, Turkey

Be a part of the Journey
that will start June 26!