UNRWA marks International Programmers’ Day

AMMAN,

On International Programmers' Day, UNRWA's Digital Impact, Technology and Innovation Department (DITID) highlights the dedication, creativity, and impact of its programmers, whose work to support service delivery for Palestine Refugees embodies both technical excellence and humanitarian commitment.

International Programmers' Day was established in the 2000s to acknowledge the vital role of programmers and software developers in shaping the modern world. It highlights the creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise required to build the digital tools that drive progress, innovation, and connectivity across societies.

At UNRWA, programmers and developers form the digital backbone that supports critical operations, such as improving the Agency's education platforms, health systems, relief operations, and emergency response mechanisms, so that they remain efficient and accessible to Palestine Refugees across all fields of operation. For example, UNRWA's programmers developed the Job Creation Programme System to manage and streamline employment processes for Palestine Refugees. Historically, the employment opportunities for refugees were managed through fragmented, manual, and paper-based processes, leading to inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and limited transparency. In June 2024, to respond to increasing demand and to strengthen service delivery, UNRWA programmers developed a centralised and automated solution.

On this day, the Agency also honours it's dedicated IT staff who have been killed during the war in the Gaza Strip, among over 360 UNRWA team members. Their commitment to support Palestine Refugees through innovation will not be forgotten.

"Programming at UNRWA is more than technology-it is a lifeline. Our programmers safeguard the delivery of essential services to millions of Palestine Refugees, turning innovation into a bridge of hope. We will never forget our IT colleagues who were killed serving this mission; their legacy continues to inspire us," said Mumtaz Tamim, Director of DITID and Chief Information Officer.

UNRWA's DITID team continues to develop and maintain digital solutions that enable the Agency to adapt to evolving needs, enhance operational continuity, and drive innovation in service delivery.

UNRWAis the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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