Interpal was invited to attend the UN Relief and Works Agency’s Hosts’ and Donors’ Meeting (HDM) that took place on 18-19 November 2009 at the Movenpick Dead Sea Resort in Jordan. During the two days representatives of donors including states, the private sector and NGOs that contribute to UNRWA’s funds as well representatives of states hosting Palestinian refugees gather to discuss the funding situation and the way forward. UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949 to carry out direct relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees. This is therefore a significant year as the “temporary” UN agency now celebrates its 60th anniversary.

 

Interpal was represented by its Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Hewitt and Vice-Chairman Dr. Essam Mustafa along with its Head of Operations. During the two day meeting Interpal took part in a short presentation on partnership which is this year’s HDM theme. The end of the HDM proceedings was especially poignant as individual representatives expressed their appreciation and bid farewell to the outgoing Commissioner-General, Karen Abu-Zayd whose tenure will come to a close at the end of 2009. This time last year Interpal held a reception in honour of Mrs. Abu-Zayd during her visit to London. Interpal took the opportunity to present the Commissioner-General with a crystal memento etched with the Interpal logo which she graciously accepted. Interpal is proud to have been invited to the HDM and looks forward to next year’s meeting which will be hosted by the new Commissioner-General. As the post of UNRWA’s Commissioner-General is a direct appointment by the UN Secretary-General, HE Mr. Ban Ki-moon is expected to announce Mrs. Abu-Zayd’s successor shortly.