Mr. Robert Piper – Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East peace Process and United Nations Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator stressed on the importance of supporting development and stability opportunities in the Gaza Strip referring to the abilities owned by the Palestinian people in adapting to their difficult living conditions. Mr. Piper stated: “The situation in the Gaza Strip is frustrating despite the great potential of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the high level of education, but unfortunately there are not many opportunities for graduates. The high unemployment rate is a major problem.”
Mr. Piper praised the outstanding academic record of the Islamic University in Gaza (IUG) on the level of academic programs, scientific research and community service. He emphasized the need to build further cooperation between the United Nations organizations and IUG.
Mr. Piper visited the Islamic University Tuesday, accompanied by Ms. Loris Alqurah- Coordination Unit officer in the United Nations Special Coordinator Office. They were greeted by Prof. Adel Awadallah, President of the Islamic University and a number of IUG senior staff members.
Prof. Awadallah briefed the delegation on the history of the Islamic University and its achievements pointing out that the university has 120 academic programmes in addition to its excellent work in expanding its community-service programmes to build capacities in the Gaza local community.
Dr. Al-Masri, IUG Vice President for External Affairs, provided a detailed presentation on the University’s international projects and partnerships, pointing to the importance of networking with various United Nations organizations. Dr. Al-Masri stated the strong relations linking the university with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other UN organisations and international institutions.
Prof. Afifi, member of the Faculty of Science, talked in some detail about the M.A Programme “disasters and crisis management,” and its objectives, courses, and desired outputs for the Programme.
During a meeting with “disasters and crisis management” M.A students during which he listened to the student’s views about the Programme, Mr. Piper spoke of the importance of work on the prevention and management of crises and risks and the need to reduce their effects on human society.
Prof. Awadallah noted the need for mutual cooperation for the development of the M.A Disaster and Crisis Management programme at IUG through the exchange of experiences and knowledge, and introducing international experts from the United Nations to teach in the programme.
