Dr. Tareq Emtairah is the Director General of Taawon (Welfare Association), where he directs the institution’s work across its three strategic tracks: Investment in People, Building Resilient Communities, and Humanitarian Relief and Emergency Response.
He drives initiatives that strengthen Palestinian resilience and reinforce their agency through targeted programs in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and heritage preservation across Palestine and Palestinian communities in Lebanon.
He also spearheads Taawon’s global outreach and strategic partnerships, advancing the institution’s engagement with international allies, institutional and individual donors, and the Palestinian diaspora—ensuring that all efforts yield long-term impact and expanded opportunities for future generations.
Dr. Emtairah brings more than 25 years of executive experience across international development, energy, climate, and economic policy. Prior to joining Taawon, he served as Director of the Department of Energy at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). He also served as Executive Director of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in Cairo, working with governments across the Arab region, including Palestine.
His expertise spans executive direction, strategic partnerships, policy development, international engagement, and long-term development planning. Born in Palestine, he completed his higher education in the United States and Sweden and holds a PhD in Industrial Environmental Economics from Lund University.