What is ACH?
The Arab Conference at Harvard (ACH) stands as the largest Arab conference in North America, uniting thought leaders, innovators, scholars, and students from across the Middle East and the global Arab diaspora. Hosted annually at Harvard University, ACH provides a platform for dialogue on the Arab world’s most pressing political, social, economic, and cultural issues. Drawing from Harvard’s tradition of intellectual rigor and community engagement, the conference builds on a legacy of Arab discourse pioneered by the Harvard Arab Alumni Association (HAAA) and the Harvard Society of Arab Students (SAS).
The earliest interactions of Harvard’s Arab-focused gatherings–organized by HAAA and SAS before the creation of the Arab Conference at Harvard–focused on strengthening understanding between the Arab world and the West. Former U.S. Ambassador Richard Murphy, who spoke at one of Harvard’s early Arab-focused conferences, urged Arab Americans to become more politically active and civically engaged, while panels on education and media highlighted the role of cross-cultural learning and representation in reshaping perceptions. These early gatherings laid the groundwork for a more connected and engaged Arab diaspora, creating dialogue that challenged stereotypes and inspired greater participation in both American public life and Arab development initiatives.
Over time, the conference broadened its focus to engage with the Arab world’s rapidly changing political, social, and economic realities. New themes emerged–innovation, education reform, governance, and media representation–reflecting a shift from dialogue toward action. With speakers like Jorge Domínguez, Tarik Yousef, and Lara Setrakian, it became a hub for Harvard-affiliated leaders envisioning new directions for regional development and reversing the traditional “brain drain” by encouraging Arab alumni to reinvest their expertise at home.
Today’s Arab Conference at Harvard continues this mission under new generations of student leadership. Recent editions, such as “(Re)Imagining Home,” have addressed contemporary challenges while empowering young Arabs to define what “home” means amid migration and transformation. Prominent figures like UNHCR officials, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons such as Sultan Al-Qassemi, Karen Wazen, and Hamed Sinno have engaged in open dialogue about identity, belonging, and progress.
Through these evolving conversations, the conference has transformed from a space of reflection into one of innovation and action. It bridges the intellectual energy of Harvard with the dynamism of the Arab world, creating collaboration between policymakers, academics, and creative leaders. Each year, ACH reaffirms a central belief shared by generations of Arab Harvard affiliates: that progress lies not only in improving what is, but in advancing toward what will be.
