It's hard to believe that 20 years have passed since the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Over the past two decades this devastating loss has been processed with years with healing, remembrance, reflection, honoring the heroes, victims, and resilient spirit of those affected far and wide. And on the 20th anniversary, our thoughts are engaged more ever with the global legacy this tragedy has left behind. 

This week we are feeling hopeful and grateful. They kind of travel and move together. We are hopeful that the situation in Afghanistan will stabilize in the coming months – flip to 'Shaping Tomorrow' and see the infographic on the countries pledging to accept Afghans. Almost one hundred governments pledged their support in facilitating the free travel of Afghans that have worked with them or that are considered to be at risk. In this spirit we circle back to a seminar our Comms Director, Georgie Bradley, conducted in her CSR work for Shamsaha – the Middle East's first and only crisis care response program for women victims of domestic and sexual violence. The talk focuses on how to care for vulnerable populations. We can all be better advocates in more ways than one. 

We are also grateful to be working alongside FemForward in Israel – since the peace deal was established between the UAE and Israel, more and more bi-lateral opportunities have surfaced. We couldn't have found a better cause for collaboration than with FemForward - a mentorship program for women in tech and innovation. Read more about the developments below! 

In 'Diversions' we look at the comeback of hot tubs – yes, hot tubs - a recreational thing that sits in an interesting place between wellness and sleazy kitsch. Studies have shown that soaking in a hot tub can relax muscles, lessen stress and help people sleep better. It's a pretty fun read. 

Oh, and have you ever considered jumping into a black hole? We found out how via Popular Mechanics – and they tell you how to jump back out of one, too. Science is cool. 

To more fascinating facts we didn't know we needed to know! 

Team E. 

How To Care For Vulnerable Populations

With the world's attention turned to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan – we are proud to be actively part of the relief efforts – it's made us all think about displacement and vulnerability. The humanitarian implications of the current situation in Kabul is catastrophic. You only need to read the headlines to grasp the sheer severity of what's happening on the ground and the impact it is having on the rest of the world. It got us thinking about vulnerable populations in the context of domestic and sexual violence - which our Comms Director, Georgie Bradley speaks to at great length in her training seminars for Shamsaha – the Middle East's first and only crisis care response program for women victims of domestic and sexual violence. Have a look at a recent clip where she talks about the importance of paying special attention to communities with particular vulnerabilities when providing crisis advocacy.

SHAPING TOMORROW

We’re always on the look out for dynamic change makers, disruptors and new information to fuel our own dexterity and creativity. So, this section sees a few of our recent picks on how the world’s outlook is changing. We hope these little nuggets will help you land on that 'aha!' moment you were looking for!

OUR DIVERSIONS

We know everyone says it's not all work, it's about play, too – and as much as we don't want to sound like a broken record, there is truth in the truism. Like we said earlier, we are all about ingesting the complex and the trivial in equal measure. In fact, we love nothing more than thinking deeply about the more 'playful' things in life. Read ' em and ponder away.

TODAY'S QUOTE

Key takeaways:acceptance and accountability. Let that sink in.

THE OUTLOOK

When you think you of a European city, which one speaks out to you?