Dr. Maher Aboumayaleh/ Syria: Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Health Services in Syria.

12 October 2026

My encounters with Youssef were limited to the context of the Arab Resource Collective (ARC) and the Arab Network for Early Childhood Development (ANECD) events. Yet, they were sufficient to reveal many distinctive facets of his personality. Youssef was not merely an expert on issues of child rights and development, and human rights and dignity. He was also an inspiring human being, a mentor, a friend, and a visionary regarding these causes and other humanitarian matters. Whenever he participated in a panel discussion or a workshop, he offered creative insights and motivated others to engage actively and unconventionally.

May his memory serve as an enduring source of inspiration for all his comrades in humanitarian causes.