From Healing to Opportunity - Integrating Trauma Healing into Development Programs

Explore the intersection of trauma healing and economic development in this panel discussion examining how untreated trauma creates an invisible barrier to progress in fragile regions. Learn about the "trauma tax"—the hidden economic cost of untreated trauma among youth in high-conflict countries—and discover evidence-based approaches for integrating mental health healing into development strategies. Gain insights from front-line leaders including Mohamed Ali Diini (Founder, Iftin Global), Dr. Comfort Ero (President & CEO, International Crisis Group), and Dr. Saida Abdi (Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota School of Social Work) as they discuss how trauma-informed approaches can break cycles of economic exclusion and mental health crises affecting nearly two billion people in conflict-affected settings. Understand how policymakers, donors, and development practitioners can embed trauma recovery into economic development programs, transforming healing from a humanitarian imperative into a driver of sustainable growth and breaking generational cycles of poverty.