Rhodes Saïd Forum on Syria Jordan Lebanon and Palestine

"A state of dysfunction?" Weaving a vision from a complex present.

This is the inaugural Rhodes Scholarship SJLP Forum celebrating the historic partnership between the Said Foundation and the Rhodes Trust. This conference comes at a time of a dialectic struggle in the region and of attempts to navigate a state of dysfunction. Join us in a unique conference that will weave in a vision from a complex present.

We aim to bring the brightest of minds, in a unique dialogue nourished by a mosaic of despair and hope. Through an intergenerational and interdisciplinary approach, the conference will be discussing three indispensable themes at this time in the region: Economic development, health and culture and education.

Forum Concept Note

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Alex Youssef

Alex Youssef

Alex (Syria & St Cross 2018) is a Syrian medical doctor, healthcare system specialist, and data scientist-in training. Alex is currently pursuing a D.Phil. in Clinical Artificial Intelligence at the University of Oxford. He is building AI-powered algorithms to improve patient flow in Data-Driven Hospitals. "I am excited to stir up the discussion about the future of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. This forum will be a venue for regional leaders and youth change-makers to discuss the challenges and opportunities that exist in our region."
Diala Al Masri

Diala Al Masri

Diala (Lebanon & Balliol 2017) is a DPhil candidate in economic development at the University of Oxford. She is pursuing research on migration, and their integration in the labor markets and impact on local firms. "The region presents the struggle between two opposing forces: that of bright youth change makers who are pushing again that of an archaic and at in many case largely dysfunctional system. The forum is a unique opportuity to discuss these dynamics and how the future will unfold building on insights from experts on the region."
Bahaaeddin Attaallah

Bahaaeddin Attaallah

Bahaa (Palestine & University 2018) is a medical doctor from Palestine who is currently doing a DPhil in clincal neurosciences.
Amer Baroudi

Amer Baroudi

Amer (Syria & Worcester 2019) is an international entrepreneur and an expert problem solver. He founded and co-founded several companies that provide innovative solutions into the fields of architecture, design, technology and business. His educational background spans architecture, urban-planning, business and politics, and currently, he is reading for an MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance at the University of Oxford.

“The forum is an excellent opportunity to challenge the outdated rhetoric that dominates our region. To stand up for solving the wicked problems that face current and future generations. To draw a brighter vision for the Levant.”
Brigid O'Farrell-White

Brigid O'Farrell-White

Brigid (Australia-at-Large & Magdalen 2018) is a MPhil candidate in Modern Middle Eastern Studies. Her thesis reseach focuses on Lebanon's post-war transition and the use of amnesty laws to resolve civil conflict. She is also working on a project examining the recent history of Australian foreign policy in the Middle East.