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Technology is ubiquitous in both its use, and its power to drive change. What better example than Tech2Peace, a social enterprise that brings together Israelis and Palestinians for training in high-tech and entrepreneurship along with dialogue in conflict and peace-building. Its dedicated alumni, prominent partnerships, and collaborative initiatives all speak volumes about its impact so far.
On today’s episode, Tomer Cohen, the co-founder of Tech2Peace, speaks to us about that impact, and how technology is helping to bridge the deep divide in this Middle Eastern country.
Welcome to In the Business of Change, where we speak with social entrepreneurs impacting their communities and the world. I’m your host Elisa Birnbaum publisher and editor in chief of SEE Change Magazine. We have a winner of the contest giveaway of my book, also titled In the Business of Change, profiling social entrepreneurs around the world and their lessons learned. Congratulations to Kaitlin Liswell! Watch your mailbox for a literary delivery very soon. Due to high demand we’ve decided to extend the book giveaway through the holiday season. All you have to do is share this podcast episode and tag SEE Change to be eligible to win a copy. We’ll announce the next winners soon.
And now, back to our podcast.
In our conversation, Tech2Peace co-founder Tomer Cohen shares how one formidable question inspired the birth of the organization: can technology be used to promote peace? He describes the seminars that the social venture offers and the rewarding outcomes they’ve witnessed so far: Palestinians and Israelis working together, honing their skills, creating opportunities, engaging in difficult conversations and finding common ground.
We discuss the importance of partners like Google for Startups, Microsoft, and MIT. Tomer then examines some of the obvious, and not so obvious, challenges in running the program. And, how, despite those challenges, this uniquely designed program is carving a significant pathway to collaboration, coexistence and peace.
Listen. Learn. Enjoy. Share.