Many high profile personalities have been confirmed as the International conference marking UNRWA 60th anniversary draws near.

The conference scheduled for Wednesday, 16th of December 2009 now includes many guests including world renowned academics, ambassadors, journalists, MPs and baronesses. Representatives of International Humanitarian Organizations will also be taking part.

Ambassadors of Syria, Malaysia, and Lebanon Sudan are confirmed amongst our participants.

Palestinian ambassador, Manuel Hassasian, is also participating in the event where he will be delivering a speech in the opening session.

The conference is separated into 4 key sessions each of which will highlight vital issues pertaining to Palestinian refugees and the overall conflict.

The opening session will include , Mr. Majed Al Zeer - General Director of PRC, Claire Short - MP, Professor Salman Abu Sitta, Palestinian Ambassador Manuel Hassasian

The first session will begin with Norman Finkelstein, Conference Keynote speaker who will give a lengthy presentation titled "What's Preventing Peace? Then the renowned Palestinian Researcher, Professor Salaman Abu Sitta will highlight the role of UNRWA through his topic "UNRWA! The unsung Hero"

Daud Abdullah, director of MEMO, and a prominent spokesperson on the topic will give an account of the ideology that has created the longest refugee crises in modern times.

The second session will address the plight of Palestinain refugees from Iraq and parliamentary delegation from UK to Syria for their resettlement. This will include Syria ambassador, H. E. Dr. Sami Khiyami, Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North and Baroness Jenny Tonge, who will provide details of the humanitarian mission.

Third session includes Mr. Sami Meshasha - UNRWA Spokesperson- who is going to speak on the role of UNRWA, their history and current services and Mr. Kalil Makkawi - former ambassador of Lebanon to the UN. Views of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon will be represented by Mr. Ali Huwaidi - Director of Palestinian Organization for the Right of Return "Thabit" in Beirut

The fourth session will include American Professor Rachel Rudolph, who will discuss the Role of Major stakeholders in aiding and hindering UNRWA activities and UNRWA challenges in the broader geopolitical context.

Within the same session, Dr. Van Engeland - Expert International refugee law would discuss a topic titled, "Gap between the Rights of Palestinian Refugees in International Law and Their Reality,"

The key aim of the event is to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency UNRWA. It will provide a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the terrible situation facing the Palestinian Refugees and UNRWA within a regional and international context.

Admission is free, refreshment and lunch will be served and its open to the public. the venue has changed from Friends house in London Euston to the Congress Center, 28 Great Russell Street, London WC1B3LS near Tottenham Court Road station.

The event will commence from 9-30AM to 5-30 PM

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