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THE ISRAELI ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & AID
In memory of Dr. Yehuda Paz
The Israeli Annual Conference on International Development & Humanitarian Aid, held in memory of Dr. Yehuda Paz, serves as a central professional gathering for Israel’s international development and humanitarian aid community across its diverse sectors. This year, against the backdrop of a complex and challenging period for the sector in general and for the Israeli community in particular, the conference will focus on Futures Thinking, an approach that enables us to imagine possible scenarios, understand emerging trends, and design creative solutions to global challenges before they occur. This approach will guide the conference content and experience, providing a framework for out-of-the-box thinking, fostering dialogue about the future, and exploring new opportunities for growth, partnership, and hope.
We invite you - civil society organizations, private companies, government representatives, research and academic institutions, philanthropic foundations, and investment funds, to join us for a day of inspiration, learning, and co-creation of a shared vision for the future of Israel’s development and humanitarian aid sector in an evolving global landscape.
9:00
Registration, Networking & Futuristic Exhibition
An opportunity to meet, engage in professional conversation, and spend time exploring an exhibition that examines the future of international aid and development
9:45
Opening Remarks
Keith & Aviva Seigel
Ayelet Levin-Karp, CEO, SID-Israel
Ahava Bensabath, Community Manager, SID-Israel
10:15
The Future of Aid: Are We Ready for the Global Shifts Ahead?
Old Dilemmas, New Realities, and What Comes Next
Max Vieille, CEO, Response Innovation Lab
10:45
From Global Trends to Israeli Dilemmas
With: Max Vieille, CEO, Response Innovation Lab
Michal Bruck, CEO, NALA
Shay Bialik, SID-Israel Board Member
11:15
Coffee Break
A ceremony honoring meaningful, long standing contributions to the field.
A moment to recognize impact, influence, and leadership within the community
11:30
SID SHORTS (Bite-sized lectures)
Featuring: Tomer Bariach, CEO, Textile Credit
Yotam Polizer, CEO, IsraAID
Roni Levy, Head of Venture Builiding & Early-Stage Innovation, Nura
Charmaine Hedding, President, Shai Fund
Yau Levy, CEO, Rural Senses
Ophelie Namiech, CEO, Mindset-PCS
12:30
2026 Awards & Lifetime Achievement Ceremony
Zafrir Asaf, Chair of the Board, SID-Israel
13:00
Lunch
13:30
Research SessionNetworking | Exhibition Visit
Presentations of recent and emerging research in the field.
Introducing key questions, directions, and processes shaping current professional knowledge, with:
Caylee Talpert
Ariel Aviram
Yaeli Nevo (Benovich)
Renana Geldman Tavens-Eye to Eye
Naomi Caplan-NALA
15:00
Closing
Agenda
SID Israel’s annual conference combines professional discussions, research presentations, short talks, and opportunities for dialogue and networking, alongside a forward looking exhibition. Throughout the day, we will explore key challenges and trends in international aid and development, exchange knowledge and experience, and create opportunities for professional connections and shared learning
Max Vieille, Global Director, Response Innovation Lab (RIL)
Keynote Speaker
Max Vieille is the Global Director of the Response Innovation Lab (RIL). Previously, he worked with the UN, major humanitarian NGOs, and private contractors, specializing in Emergency Response, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning), Disaster Risk Reduction, and Strategic Planning, with field experience in Haiti and Madagascar. He is also an adjunct professor of international relations at SciencesPo Lille, a Google Startups for Sustainable Development Advisor, and a former member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Fragility and Resilience. Max has advised USAID, the Dutch Relief Alliance, Danish Refugee Council, and Save the Children International on innovation policy in complex emergencies. He holds a Master’s in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Westminster and a Graduate Diploma in Development Administration from ANU.
Shay Bialik, Board of Directors, SID-Israel
Panel-From Global Trends to Israeli Dilemmas: The Questions That Keep Us Awake at Night
Shay Bialik is the Global Director – Head of Sustainability and Impact at the Strauss Group. She specializes in sustainable development and international collaboration. Previously, she served as a consultant for economic and social affairs in the Israeli delegations to the UN, OECD, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe, representing Israel in the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee. Shay holds a master’s in development policy and economic analysis from The New School and a bachelor’s in history and international relations from Hebrew University and Sciences Po. In 2023, she was recognized as a UN SDG Pioneer.
Michal Bruck, CEO, NALA
Panel-From Global Trends to Israeli Dilemmas: The Questions That Keep Us Awake at Night
Michal Bruck is a strategic leader in international development and social activism with over 20 years of experience driving system-wide change within the humanitarian sector. As CEO of NALA, she leads efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases through a holistic model integrating community-led behavior change and innovation into national health systems. Previously, Michal spent six years at the UN World Food Programme, leading strategic partnerships and shaping the global logistics cluster strategy. She is an expert in multi-stakeholder collaboration across humanitarian systems. Michal is also a social activist, co-founding Kulna Yaffa and serving on the board of Madad.
Yotam Polizer, CEO, IsraAID
Humanitarian Diplomacy
Yotam is the CEO of IsraAID, leading a global team of over 300 staff and volunteers operating in 14 countries, including large-scale responses in Ukraine. A 2023 Charles Bronfman Award recipient, he has 15 years of experience in education, humanitarian aid, and international development, and has led missions across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Yau Levi, CEO, Rural Senses
On AI and Development
Yau is co-founder and CEO of Rural Senses, developing AI solutions for social and environmental impact measurement used by organizations like the Mastercard Foundation. An expert in Impact Innovation, he previously led MobileODT’s AI team for early cervical cancer detection and co-founded SolarChange, integrating solar energy with blockchain. Yau holds a B.Sc. in Biophysics and an M.Eng. in Sustainable Development, and advises and speaks on impact and sustainability globally.
Ophélie Namiach, CEO, Mindset-PCS
The Future of Israeli Aid Organizations
Ophélie is a humanitarian thinker, system-change activist, and social entrepreneur with 20 years’ experience across UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and impact-driven companies. Founder of Mindset-PCS, she helps organizations reshape decision-making, partnerships, funding flows, and sector values. Formerly leading IsraAID in South Sudan, she now advises globally on humanitarian innovation, Israeli crisis response, and people-centered system change.
Tomer Bariach, CEO, Textile Credit
Technology, Horses, and the Redefinition of Success
Tomer Bariach is a father of two. Entrepreneur and investor focused on building a better supply chain of credit to emerging markets. Mediocre artist.
Rony Levy, Nura Global Innovation Lab
The Leapfrogging Question: Africa as a Leader in Climate Adaptation
Roni Levy is a multidisciplinary sustainable development professional working at the intersection of environmental sustainability, purpose-driven business, and international development. With over a decade of experience across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and global contexts, she leads venture building and early-stage innovation at Nura Global Innovation Lab and co-leads the Pears Challenge. Roni specializes in climate resilience, inclusive innovation, and regenerative practices.
Charmaine Hedding, President, SHAI FUND
Christian Philanthropy for Development
Charmaine Hedding is a humanitarian leader with over 20 years’ experience operating in conflict and crisis zones. Founder and president of Shai Fund, she has led emergency response, evacuations, and protection operations across the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia. She works to engage Christian and evangelical philanthropy in support of humanitarian responses in Israel and globally, applying anticipatory, field-driven decision-making to navigate prolonged crises, political fragmentation, and systemic risk.
The Speakers
-Easier Said Than Done
Insights from the past decade on how Israeli technology companies can build scalable, sustainable and financially successful businesses in Africa
Caylee Talpert
The study examines how Israeli technology companies build scalable, sustainable businesses in Africa through partnerships, localization, business model innovation, and aligned financing, generating lasting development impact alongside financial performance outcomes.
A Satisficing and dynamic food-energy-water nexus approach to sustainability
Ariel Aviram
The research proposes a new Food Energy Water model for off grid communities, defining safe boundaries, examining local trade offs, and strengthening practical, long term sustainability with limited external influence
How the Future is Perceived: Climate Shocks, Time Perception, and Development Work
Yaeli Nevo (Benovich)
The talk explores how climate shocks shape the way people experience the future
Rather than focusing only on accessibility, it highlights time perception as a key element of future-oriented thinking in development work.
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Eye to Eye: Developing Sustainable Knowledge to Transform Autism Care in Ethiopia
Renana Geldman Tavens-Eye to Eye
Eye to Eye research proposes a structured training program for pediatric residents in three public hospitals in Addis Ababa. The study will assess changes in knowledge, diagnostic capacity, and ASD diagnoses before and after the training, and share findings with policymakers to support autism training and cross-sector collaboration
From Eye to AI: Advancing Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasites in Low-Prevalence Settings
Naomi Caplan-NALA
The research tests an AI powered microscope in NALA’s fieldwork to improve parasite diagnosis in low-prevalence ares. The research tests an AI pow-pow-ered microscope in NALA’s fieldwork to improve parasite diagnosis in low-prevalence areas, strengthening surveillance, reducing health worker burden, and supporting sustainable disease elimination efforts
Research Session
A series of short talks presenting new research in international aid and development, recently conducted or set to begin in the coming year
אותות הוקרה ומפעל חיים
שם ארגון/אדם
איזה סוג של אות
שם ארגון/אדם
איזה סוג של אות
שם ארגון/אדם
איזה סוג של אות
About SID-Israel
SID-Israel is the umbrella organization of the Israeli professional community in international development and humanitarian aid, bringing together civil society organizations, government institutions, academic and research programs, private companies, consultants, and independent experts.
We work to create a supportive professional environment, based on the exchange of knowledge and experience, creating a clear roadmap for Israeli action in the world, education and training, cross-sector professional development, as well as raising awareness of the topic among the general public and decision makers.
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Getting there
Time
Tuesday 20/01/26, 09:00-16:00
Location
Daniel Frisch St 1, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Waze: ZOA House, 1 Daniel Frisch St., Tel Aviv
Parking:
Naot Aviv Parking:
Enter via Paz – Naot Aviv
7 Dubnov St., Tel Aviv
Drive down into Naot Aviv Parking.
Elevator to Entrance A – exit to Ibn Gvirol St.
Elevator to Entrance C – exit to Shaul HaMelech St.
Parking at 3 Daniel Frisch St.:
Please note: instructions are updated on the “Central Park” parking website.
Public transportation:
Bus lines from Savidor Central Railway Station: 142 / 82
Bus lines from HaShalom Railway Station: 8 / 62
**About a 10-minute walk from HaShalom Railway Station
In Partnership With
