UK academics commit to help reconstruct Gaza higher education

22 January 2025

As reported by Friends of Birzeit University, UK academics and university administrators met in Glasgow to discuss how they can assist in the reconstruction of Gaza higher education – when this becomes possible. But when will this be?

UK academics commit to standing with Gaza universities at University of Glasgow’s Reconstructing Gaza Conference

Dec 17, 2024 | Latest News

On 11 December 2024, as part of their commitment to supporting displaced communities and defending Gaza’s universities, the University of Glasgow hosted the Reconstructing Gaza: The Post-conflict Reconstruction of Higher Education in Gaza Conference. The conference explored how collaboration and collective action can aid the reconstruction of Gaza’s higher education sector, addressing immediate needs and long-term sustainability. Sessions emphasized the importance of partnerships in overcoming challenges faced by conflict-affected institutions.

The opening keynote titled Rebuilding Higher Education In Gaza: Lessons From Two Decades Of Donor Funding chaired by Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement), University of Glasgow included the former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, Professor Sultan Barakat, Qatar Foundation’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Dr Savo Heleta, Bosnian Researcher and Authorand, and Dr. Ahmed Abu Shaban from the Emergency Committee for Gaza Universities. Fobzu director, Omar Shweiki, co-led the concluding workshop with Professor Alison Phipps (Glasgow University) on how UK institutions can respond to the calls for urgent support from Gaza’s universities and faculty during which participants discussed practical steps for action. Publication of a summary report of recommendations for next steps is anticipated soon. 

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