The Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) recently participated in the Fifth General Meeting of Palestinian Public Universities, a momentous occasion that aimed to bolster cooperation, partnership, and joint efforts in advancing higher education and scientific research across Palestine. Among the distinguished guests in attendance was Prof. Nasser Farhat, President of the Islamic University, and a gathering of university presidents, including Dr. Emad Abu Kishk, President of Al-Quds University, Dr. Beshara Doumani, President of Birzeit University, Dr. Omar Milad, President of Al-Azhar University, Prof. Ayman Sobh, Acting President of Al-Aqsa University, Dr. Nabil Hasasneh, Acting President of Hebron University, Dr. Amjad Barham, President of Palestine Polytechnic University- Hebron, Prof. Abdel Nasser Zaid, President of An-Najah University (via zoom), Prof. Samir Najdi, President of Al-Quds Open University, and Dr. Iyad Tawal, Executive Vice President of Bethlehem University.
The meeting, held at Al-Azhar University, delved into a wide array of pivotal topics resulting from the university presidents’ meeting with His Excellency Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Abu Mowais, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, including the financial obligations of public universities, restructuring the Higher Education Council, establishing effective mechanisms for cooperation, and fostering the exchange of expertise in joint projects. Other important matters that were discussed included activating student and academic exchange programs between universities in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as holding workshops, seminars, and conferences.
In addition to the stimulating discourse, the Palestinian university presidents delegation was welcomed to the Islamic University of Gaza, where they were greeted by Professor Nasser Farhat, President of the university; Professor Elyan Alholi, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Professor Ahmed Muhaisen, Vice President for Administrative Affairs; and Dr. Khaled Al-Hallaq, Dean of External Affairs. The visit proved to be a distinctive moment for the university presidents, with Dr. Emad Abu Kishk noting that it was “historic for universities in Palestine” and that it held the potential to overcome the challenges facing higher education, improve the quality of education, and enhance the competitiveness of universities both regionally and internationally.
Dr. Omar Milad was elated with the visit to Palestinian universities, asserting that the relationship between his university and the Islamic University is eternal, and that they are committed to developing it further to include universities in the West Bank through academic and student exchange programs. Meanwhile, Dr. Nabil Hassasneh described the visit as an opportunity to explore and enhance the opportunities for mutual cooperation between public universities in a way that serves higher education and the Palestinian community.
The meetings resulted in a series of strategic decisions aimed at fostering further cooperation and partnership in various specialties, scientific research, and academic exchange programs for students and staff alike. Dr. Beshara Doumani praised the Islamic University for its remarkable achievements in education and research, stating that they look forward to developing ongoing collaboration and benefiting from the wealth of experience that the university has to offer.
All in all, the meeting was an astounding success, bringing together university presidents from across the region to discuss the challenges facing higher education in Palestine and seeking to develop solutions to improve the quality of education and enhance the competitiveness of universities regionally and internationally. The visit to the Islamic University also served to strengthen the relationship between universities, paving the way for future cooperation and partnerships that will undoubtedly contribute to advancing higher education and scientific research in Palestine.
