Abstract: Using Sinjar, Iraq, and the Yazidi population as an example, the global development specialist and executive director of Nadia's Initiative, Abid Shamdeen, will explain the shortcomings of displacement camps and traditional development. Eight years after the 2014 Yazidi genocide, hundreds of thousands of Yazidi survivors are still trapped in displacement camps and 150,000 returnees to Sinjar are struggling to rebuild their lives without access to essential services. Shamdeen will discuss Nadia's Initiative's approach to sustainable, community-driven, survivor-centric development and how to move forward in post-conflict regions.

Speaker: Abid Shamdeen is the Executive Director of Nadia’s Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding communities in crisis and advocating globally for survivors of sexual violence. Shamdeen, who was born and raised in Sinjar, Iraq, is a global development specialist who has dedicated his career to improving the lives of and preventing violence against marginalized communities. In his current role at Nadia’s Initiative, he advocates for victims of the Yazidi Genocide. He manages rebuilding and redevelopment projects that have brought aid and assistance to the Sinjar region. He was also a member of the Sinjar Crisis Management Team, where he provided context and feedback to US officials regarding the status of Yazidis in Iraq. Prior to these roles, Abid worked for the United States Army in Iraq as a cultural advisor and translator. He holds a master’s degree in political science from the School of International Service at American University and a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska University, where he also served as an Administrative Assistant at the Nebraska State Legislature.

Location: 3300 University Blvd, Dallas, TX, Carr Collins Hall, Tower Center Boardroom, Room 227