Maher Tabba, director of public relations and media at the Gaza Chamber of Trade and Commerce, opened the workshop by outlining the economic situation in Gaza. He further pointed out that reconstruction efforts focusing on the development of financial, banking and business institution is insufficient.

Following this introduction, Baker Turkmani, an attorney working with the Independent Commission for Human Rights, discussed the overall concept guiding reconstruction work and its role in rebuilding institutions and organizations. He emphasized the rising unemployment level in Gaza and noted that unemployment projects currently lack clear operating mechanisms and transparency. Turkmani finally stressed the need for a national committee to address and decide on reconstruction operations.