Amman: Under the patronage of HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center, the "War Trauma 2026" conference opened in Amman on Saturday. The Early Light Foundation is hosting the two-day conference in partnership with the King Hussein Cancer Foundation with the participation of over 40 regional and international speakers, including mental health and healthcare specialists, humanitarian workers, researchers, and individuals working directly with communities affected by war, the King Hussein Cancer Foundation said in a press release.
According to Jordan News Agency, the gathering, held under the theme "When there is no clear 'after' to trauma, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)?", explores how to respond to psychological trauma amidst ongoing conflict, displacement, loss, and insecurity, bridging the gap between clinical research, real-world experiences, and culturally grounded therapeutic approaches.
In her address, Princess Ghida emphasized the importance of mental health, stating that integrated systems, specialized expertise, and a safe environment are crucial for addressing psychological trauma. She highlighted the psychological challenges faced by cancer patients arriving from Gaza, underscoring the need to address both physical and psychological aspects of their suffering. Princess Ghida declared the conference's aim to reject the injustices faced by these individuals.
Dr. Alexandra Chen, founder and CEO of the Shorouq Al-Amal Foundation and Healing for Gaza, expressed the urgency of addressing the trauma experienced by children affected by war. She emphasized the duty to provide pathways to recovery, advocating for innovation and collaboration to instill hope and light in the lives of future generations.
The conference features participation from distinguished experts such as Palestinian psychiatrist Dr. Samah Jabr, psychiatrist and trauma researcher Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Palestinian public health researcher Dr. Sawsan Abdulrahim, psychiatrist and internist Dr. Nasri Jasser, and Dr. Richard Schwartz, creator of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. These experts contribute to discussions on the impact of war-related trauma on various demographics and explore culturally appropriate therapeutic approaches.
In addition to the conference, a charity dinner for Gaza is being organized under the patronage of HRH Princess Ghida. The event will feature a special address by Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah and a live performance by Palestinian singer, composer, and flutist Nai Barghouti. The proceeds from the ticket sales will support the psychological treatment services provided by the "Healing for Gaza" initiative.
The conference is supported by ATICO Fakhreldin Group as a Platinum Sponsor, with Arab Wings and Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) in Jordan as Silver Sponsors. Mazaj FM is the official and exclusive Arabic-language radio partner, with additional media support from Beat FM and the TV channel Roya.