Embracing hope and empathy: Harnessing technology to support refugees

World Refugee Day stirs a mix of emotions within me each year. As the CEO and co-founder of NeuroTech, an organisation recognised internationally for our work in developing AI and digital technology-powered energy management solutions to provide reliable energy access to Syrian refugee camps in Jordan and worldwide, I feel both honoured and humbled. However, it is crucial to remember that there are over 103 million forcibly displaced individuals worldwide — a reminder of the immense suffering experienced by so many people across the globe.

Through my work at NeuroTech, I have witnessed first-hand the toll displacement and trauma can take on individuals and communities. Nevertheless, I firmly believe in the potential for a brighter future — a future where healing replaces harm, and care becomes a universal currency.

Gone are the days when refugees were seen solely as burdens on host countries and communities. This outdated perception fails to recognise the myriad of contributions that refugees can make to their new homes. From entrepreneurs to artists, refugees possess incredible potential when given the opportunity. 

As a technology advocate, I have seen how innovation can thrive even in the most challenging circumstances. By harnessing the power of technology, we can create solutions that alleviate the suffering of refugees and equip them with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

Tech for Good NeuroTech's 

NeuroTech's work in Jordan and in the region exemplifies how technology can be harnessed for positive change. Utilising our advanced technology, we have provided reliable and clean energy access to refugee camps, significantly improving the quality of life for thousands of people. However, this is just the beginning. Technology holds immense potential to support refugees in various ways, such as providing access to education, healthcare, facilitating connectivity with loved ones, and enabling new job opportunities.

Nevertheless, technology alone is insufficient. The most critical needs of refugees are care, compassion, and support. It is our collective responsibility to create workplaces and communities that prioritise the well-being of our employees and neighbours, fostering cultures of care and empathy where everyone feels valued and supported.

Simultaneously, we must acknowledge the structural injustices that contribute to displacement and inequality. With the average length of stay in refugee camps ranging from 10 to 26 years, addressing underlying root causes such as climate change and political instability becomes imperative. As a global community, we must work together to confront these challenges, striving for a more just and sustainable transition.

World Refugee Day 2023: Healing and Hope

This year's World Refugee Day theme of “Healing” resonates profoundly amidst widespread displacements caused by conflict, disease and environmental insecurities. It underscores the urgent need for increased investment in public health, while emphasising the importance of international cooperation and solidarity.

As we commemorate World Refugee Day, hope and determination fill my heart. Hope for a future where refugees and displaced persons are valued and embraced as integral members of our global community. Determination to fulfil my role as a CEO and community member, extending compassion and care to those who need it most. Although we cannot solve all the world's problems overnight, we can initiate change by lending a helping hand to those in need.

The international recognition bestowed upon NeuroTech, such as winning the UAE's Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Energy category, fuels our hope and pride. The prize has enabled us to scale our organisation, further develop our technology and expand our impact on refugees worldwide. Moreover, it has facilitated crucial partnerships that have empowered us to provide reliable energy access to those in need.

In closing, I express my heartfelt gratitude to colleagues and partners whose unwavering dedication has brought our vision to life. Together, we can build a future where the dreams and aspirations of refugees can flourish, where opportunities abound and where the strength of our shared humanity prevails.

The writer is co-founder and CEO of NeuroTech