Profile: Shad Askary provides a new design for refugees’ shelters

CAIRO – 10 November 2017: Shad Askary, a Swedish with Kurdish roots who developed a new design for refugees’ shelters, was honored by Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi at the end of the World Youth Forum along with a number of youth participants of different nationalities.

H.E. President Abdel Fattah ElSisi speech in the closing ceremony of WYF #WeNeedToTalk #WYF2017

— World Youth Forum (@wyfegypt) ٩ نوفمبر، ٢٠١٧

Askary’s design for refugees’ shelters can facilitate their lives. In Askary’s design, new shelters have a sanitation system, clean water and walls that can resist extreme temperatures, al-Watan newspaper reported.

The idea came after Askary visited many camps for refugees and witnessed their suffering first hand.


Snow is gathered under a broken bicycle and a bed frame next to a tent at a refugee camp in Ritsona, northern of Athens, Greece, December 30, 2016. REUTERS

“I’m thankful to the World youth forum which helped promote my Idea, and I believe that the youth are the future, so it’s very important for all youth to take that opportunity and start dreaming. Don’t be afraid of creating; we can make the world a better place,” Askary said during an interview with DMC channel.

The WYF kicked off on Saturday in Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai under the auspices of President Sisi.

Egypt’s first international youth event is set to run until November 10, bringing together 3,000 youths represented by 60 delegations from around the world.

The seven-day gathering witnesses the participation of official youth representatives over 18-years-old, leaders of various youth networks, heads of state, media figures and around 250 young Egyptian expats. It is held under the slogan "We Need to Talk."