Fostering Cross-Sectoral Dialogue for the SDGs

1. Stakeholder and Policymaker Engagement Workshop—Tomorrow’s Cities–Nablus

On 28–29 January 2024, ANNU’s Urban Planning and Disaster Risk Reduction Center hosted a stakeholder and policymaker workshop and exhibition under the Tomorrow’s Cities project.

The dialogue brought together Nablus Municipality, the Ministry of Local Government, the Engineers Syndicate, policymakers, technical specialists and community representatives. Participants reviewed evidence concerning urban expansion, disaster exposure and risk-sensitive development and discussed how research outputs could be incorporated into municipal planning.

The workshop generated recommendations concerning spatial and regulatory planning, community awareness, institutional data-sharing and the practical application of the Tomorrow’s Cities methodology.

ANNU’s role: Initiator, host, technical contributor and dialogue facilitator.
Relevant SDGs: 9, 11, 13 and 17.

2. Tomorrow’s Cities International Peer-Learning Dialogue in Nairobi

ANNU participated in the Tomorrow’s Cities programme in Nairobi, sharing Palestinian experience with city authorities, researchers, community representatives and urban-resilience practitioners.

The sessions facilitated international peer learning on risk-informed urban planning, community engagement and pathways for transferring scientific evidence into local decision-making.

ANNU’s role: International participant and contributor of Palestinian experience.
Relevant SDGs: 11, 13 and 17.

3. Spring School in Agricultural and Environmental Economics

From 19–29 February 2024, ANNU organized a specialized spring school in agricultural and environmental economics in cooperation with Humboldt University of Berlin, the University of Jordan and partners supported by DAAD.

The programme created a collaborative platform for academics, researchers and external partners to discuss sustainable agriculture, environmental economics, food security and adaptation to global change.

ANNU’s role: Organizer and academic partner.
Relevant SDGs: 2, 4, 12, 13 and 17.

4. Government–University Dialogue on Environmental Sustainability

On 13 May 2024, ANNU hosted an environmental workshop organized with the Environmental Quality Authority and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

Government representatives, academics, environmental experts and students discussed hazardous-waste management, chemical safety, environmental regulation, international environmental agreements and the importance of cooperation among universities, government institutions and environmental authorities.

ANNU’s role: Host, institutional partner and contributor to the dialogue.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 12, 13, 15 and 17.

5. Dialogue on Embedding the SDGs in Higher Education

ANNU organized a sustainability webinar on integrating the SDGs into university policies, operations and curricula, led by Dr. Ciarán O’Carroll of Technological University Dublin.

The dialogue examined practical mechanisms through which universities can institutionalize sustainability in governance, education, campus operations and community engagement.

ANNU’s role: Organizer and facilitator.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 12, 13 and 17.

6. Government Dialogue on Palestinian Cultural Heritage

During the visit of the Palestinian Minister of Culture to ANNU, university and government representatives discussed cooperation in preserving, documenting and promoting Palestinian cultural heritage.

The dialogue considered joint educational, research and community programmes and mechanisms for protecting cultural identity and heritage resources.

ANNU’s role: Host and institutional dialogue partner.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 11, 16 and 17.

7. Dialogue with the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture

ANNU and the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture established a strategic partnership supporting agricultural innovation and resilient food systems.

The engagement created a structured channel for continued university–government dialogue on agricultural research, food security, innovation, training and community development.

ANNU’s role: Institutional partner and provider of academic expertise.
Relevant SDGs: 2, 8, 9, 12 and 17.

8. Environmental Governance Dialogue with the Environmental Quality Authority

ANNU and the Environmental Quality Authority signed a joint cooperation agreement on environmental action.

The cooperation strengthened sustained university–government dialogue on environmental governance, research, awareness, applied projects and community participation.

ANNU’s role: Institutional partner and technical contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 12, 13, 15 and 17.

9. Environmental and Water Challenges Conference

ANNU hosted the Environmental and Water Challenges Conference.

The event brought together academics, engineers, professional bodies and students to discuss environmental challenges, sustainable water management and the contribution of engineering solutions to community resilience.

ANNU’s role: Host and dialogue facilitator.
Relevant SDGs: 6, 9, 11, 13 and 17.

10. World Investor Week and Financial-Sector Engagement

The Faculty of Business and Communication organized World Investor Week activities.

The initiative facilitated dialogue among the University, financial-sector professionals and students on financial literacy, responsible investment and participation in economic life.

ANNU’s role: Organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 8 and 17.

11. International Day for Universal Access to Information Conference

ANNU’s Faculty of Business and Communication organized a conference marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

The event connected academics, journalists, students and media-sector representatives in dialogue on transparency, public-interest communication, press responsibilities and access to information.

ANNU’s role: Organizer and convener.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 16 and 17.

12. Conference on Childhood Challenges and Future Aspirations

ANNU and Israa University jointly opened the conference “Childhood between the Challenges of Reality and the Aspirations of the Future”.

The event encouraged cross-institutional dialogue concerning children’s rights, education, protection, wellbeing and the challenges children face during crises.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and academic contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 10, 16 and 17.

13. World Urban Forum and Sustainable Urbanization Dialogue

ANNU contributed to the 12th World Urban Forum and associated symposiums in Cairo.

University representatives engaged with UN-Habitat, governments, municipalities, planners, researchers and civil-society organizations on sustainable urbanization, resilience and risk-informed planning.

ANNU’s role: Participant, speaker and contributor of Palestinian experience.
Relevant SDGs: 9, 11, 13 and 17.

14. Regional Civil-Engineering Dialogue on Resilience and Sustainability

ANNU contributed a keynote presentation to the Ninth Jordan International Civil Engineering Conference.

The conference engaged engineers, researchers, professional societies and policymakers in dialogue on resilient infrastructure, sustainability and evidence-based engineering practice.

ANNU’s role: Keynote contributor and regional participant.
Relevant SDGs: 9, 11, 13 and 17.

15. Private-Sector Dialogue on Corporate Social Responsibility and Disability Inclusion

ANNU and Haj Nimer Tamimi Company held a meeting on cooperation and corporate social responsibility.

The dialogue addressed community responsibility and support for persons with disabilities and demonstrated how university–business engagement can contribute to social inclusion.

ANNU’s role: Institutional dialogue partner.
Relevant SDGs: 8, 10 and 17.

16. Consultative Workshop on Palestine’s Industrial Development Plan

ANNU participated in a consultative workshop on the national sectoral plan for industrial development in Palestine.

The consultation connected government, industry and academic stakeholders in identifying priorities for industrial development, innovation and capacity-building.

ANNU’s role: Academic participant and technical contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 8, 9 and 17.

17. Dialogue on Palestinian Journalism during War

The Young Journalists Syndicate and ANNU’s Deanship of Student Affairs jointly organized the dialogue “Palestinian Journalism in Times of War”.

Academics, journalists and students discussed professional responsibilities, freedom of expression, public-interest reporting and the challenges facing media professionals during conflict.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 16 and 17.

18. International Mobilization for Access to Higher Education

ANNU, the Euro-Mediterranean Universities Union and the Swiss Representative Office convened a meeting involving representatives of 29 Swiss universities.

The meeting mobilized international support for university students affected by conflict and promoted coordinated action to protect access to higher education.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer, host and initiator of international support.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 10, 16 and 17.

1. Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue on Investment in Higher Education

During UNIMED Week and its Board meeting, ANNU engaged with officials from the European Union and the Union for the Mediterranean and called for stronger investment in higher education and scientific research.

ANNU’s role: Regional participant and advocate for educational investment.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 9, 10 and 17.

2. High-Level Regional Dialogue on the Care Economy

ANNU participated in a high-level regional dialogue concerning the care economy, bringing academic expertise into regional discussions on social protection, gender equality, employment and the recognition of care work.

ANNU’s role: Regional dialogue participant.
Relevant SDGs: 5, 8, 10 and 17.

3. Seminar on the Ban on UNRWA and Its Implications

ANNU organized a seminar examining the Israeli law banning UNRWA and its legal, humanitarian and educational implications.

The event brought together academic and legal expertise to consider the consequences for refugees, education and access to essential services.

ANNU’s role: Organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 10, 16 and 17.

4. Dialogue on Palestinian Displacement and the Role of Media

ANNU and the Young Journalists Syndicate held the session “Palestinian Displacement and the Role of Media”.

Journalists, academics and students discussed displacement, ethical reporting and the responsibilities of media institutions during conflict.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 10, 16 and 17.

5. EURIE 2025 Higher-Education Dialogue

ANNU represented Palestine at the EURIE 2025 Higher Education Summit in Istanbul.

The University participated in dialogue sessions and workshops on internationalization, global learning, innovation, sustainability, educational equity, student mobility and virtual cooperation. The summit also enabled meetings with higher-education leaders and policymakers.

ANNU’s role: Participant, national representative and partnership builder.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 9, 10 and 17.

6. University–Industry Dialogue with Jerusalem Pharmaceuticals

ANNU signed a cooperation agreement with Jerusalem Pharmaceuticals.

The engagement established continued academic–industry dialogue in pharmaceutical research, drug development, health sciences, artificial intelligence, digitalization, sustainability, training and joint workshops.

ANNU’s role: Institutional partner and research contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 8, 9 and 17.

7. Dentistry and Medical-Supplies Industry Engagement

ANNU’s Innovation Park and Faculty of Dentistry established a partnership with RAYA DENT LTD.

The initiative supports continuing dialogue between the University and the medical-supplies sector on professional training, modern dental technologies, innovation and improvements in healthcare services.

ANNU’s role: Institutional and industry partner.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 8, 9 and 17.

8. Steps Toward Sustainability Conference and Exhibition

ANNU students participated in the “Steps Toward Sustainability” Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Palestine Green Building Council.

The event brought together academia, professional bodies, private-sector actors and sustainability practitioners around sustainable construction and responsible environmental practices.

ANNU’s role: Participating university.
Relevant SDGs: 9, 11, 12, 13 and 17.

9. International Conference on Child Rights during Wars and Crises

ANNU launched the International Conference on the Reality of Child Rights during Wars and Crises.

The conference provided a platform for academics, legal specialists, civil-society actors and child-protection stakeholders to discuss the protection of children during conflict.

ANNU’s role: Initiator, organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 10, 16 and 17.

10. University–Government Dialogue on Legal Education

ANNU and the Palestinian Ministry of Justice discussed mechanisms for developing legal education.

The dialogue strengthened cooperation between academic programmes, government institutions and professional legal practice.

ANNU’s role: Institutional dialogue partner.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 16 and 17.

11. Conference on Environmental Health and Medical-Waste Management

ANNU participated in a conference in Kuwait on health surveillance, air quality and sustainable treatment of medical and hazardous waste.

The conference enabled dialogue among universities, health professionals, engineers, public authorities and environmental experts concerning environmental health and responsible waste management.

ANNU’s role: Academic participant and research contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 11, 12, 13 and 17.

12. Arab Universities’ Dialogue and Regional Cooperation

The President of ANNU participated in the 57th General Conference of the Association of Arab Universities.

The conference supported regional dialogue on higher education, research cooperation and common development challenges.

ANNU’s role: Institutional representative and regional participant.
Relevant SDGs: 4 and 17.

13. Cross-Sector Conference on Gaza Reconstruction and Development

ANNU was represented at the “Step Up & Help” Conference on the reconstruction and development of Gaza.

The event engaged health institutions, development actors and other stakeholders in dialogue on recovery, reconstruction and resilient service delivery.

ANNU’s role: Participant and representative of the Palestinian health sector.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 9, 11, 16 and 17.

14. Dialogue on the Role of Women in Scientific Research

ANNU and the University of Naples Federico II jointly organized the event “The Role of Women in Scientific Research”.

The dialogue addressed gender equality in research, mentorship, academic participation and opportunities for women scientists.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 5, 10 and 17.

15. Professional Dialogue with the Medical Laboratory Syndicate

ANNU hosted the Medical Laboratory Syndicate in Nablus Governorate.

The engagement strengthened university–profession dialogue on laboratory education, professional standards, training and the quality of medical-laboratory services.

ANNU’s role: Host and professional dialogue partner.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 8 and 17.

16. Conference on Building Sustainable Economies

ANNU launched the Seventh Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Business and Communication, “Building Sustainable Economies: Knowledge, Innovation and Digitalisation in MENA”.

The conference connected academics, businesses and economic-development stakeholders around innovation, digitalization and inclusive economic growth.

ANNU’s role: Initiator, organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 8, 9, 12 and 17.

17. Workshop on Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence

The Faculty of Law and Political Science organized a workshop on intellectual-property culture and artificial-intelligence challenges with the Arab Association of Intellectual Property Experts.

ANNU’s role: Organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 9, 16 and 17.

18. Health-System Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Emergency Response

ANNU’s Faculty of Nursing and the Palestinian Nursing Syndicate organized a scientific day on integrating artificial intelligence into emergency response.

The event connected nursing education, professional practice and healthcare-system needs.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and academic contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 9 and 17.

19. Dialogue on Green Jobs

ANNU participated in the Arab–Global Academic Cooperation Meeting on Green Jobs in Tunisia.

The meeting brought together academic and development stakeholders to discuss skills, innovation and employment pathways for the green economy.

ANNU’s role: Regional participant and contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 8, 9, 13 and 17.

20. Nablus Employment and Training Council

ANNU participated in the periodic meeting of the Nablus Governorate Employment and Training Council.

The Council provides a continuing cross-sector platform for aligning education and training with labour-market and local-development needs.

ANNU’s role: Council participant and academic contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 8, 9 and 17.

21. Dialogue on Economic and Development Projects in Nablus

ANNU subsequently contributed to an Employment and Training Council meeting focused on economic and development projects in Nablus Governorate.

ANNU’s role: Participant and provider of research-based expertise.
Relevant SDGs: 8, 9, 11 and 17.

22. Government–University Cooperation on Youth Media Education

In cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, ANNU organized a programme for coordinators of the “Young Journalist” initiative.

The programme supported government–university dialogue on media education, communication skills and responsible citizenship.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 16 and 17.

23. National Consultation on Legal Education and Practice

ANNU participated in a national consultative meeting and cooperation charter involving the Public Prosecution, the Ministry of Higher Education and Palestinian universities.

The consultation sought to connect legal education with professional practice and public-sector requirements.

ANNU’s role: National consultation participant.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 16 and 17.

24. Youth and Civil-Society Dialogue

ANNU’s Political Science and Public Administration Department participated in a Youth Day marking 30 years of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation’s work in Palestine.

The event supported dialogue on youth engagement, democratic participation and sustainable development.

ANNU’s role: Academic participant.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 10, 16 and 17.

25. Dialogue on Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience

ANNU participated in the “Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience” event, organized by the Representative Office of India in Palestine.

ANNU’s role: Academic participant and contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 11, 13 and 17.

26. National Guidance Dialogue for Secondary-School Students

ANNU and the Ministry of Higher Education launched national guidance days for secondary-school students with the participation of Palestinian universities.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 10 and 17.

27. Private-Sector Dialogue on Employability

Deloitte Palestine delivered the “Bridge to the Job Market” workshop at ANNU.

The activity connected private-sector expertise with academic preparation, professional expectations and student employability.

ANNU’s role: Host and academic partner.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 8 and 17.

28. Dialogue with the Ministry of Justice on Legal Translation

ANNU’s Translation Society organized a meeting with the Palestinian Ministry of Justice.

The dialogue strengthened awareness of legal translation and its importance for justice, public administration and professional practice.

ANNU’s role: Organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 16 and 17.

29. Professional-Health Sector Engagement

ANNU hosted the Medical Laboratory Syndicate and the Federation of Health Professions Unions for a cooperation meeting and engagement with medical-laboratory students.

ANNU’s role: Host and institutional dialogue partner.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 8 and 17.

1. Artificial Intelligence in the Judicial Sector

ANNU and the Palestinian Judicial Institute delivered a specialized programme on artificial intelligence in judicial work.

The initiative enabled dialogue between academic specialists and public legal institutions on digital transformation, professional practice and responsible uses of artificial intelligence.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and academic contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 9, 16 and 17.

2. Engineering Employability and Professional Practice

The Engineers Syndicate–Nablus Branch, ANNU and the American Society of Civil Engineers held a preparatory meeting on engineering students’ transition to the labour market.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and institutional partner.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 8, 9 and 17.

3. Government–University Engagement on Digital Skills for Schools

ANNU hosted programming and artificial-intelligence club training delivered by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

The programme connected university facilities and expertise with national school education and digital-skills development.

ANNU’s role: Host and educational partner.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 9 and 17.

4. Regional Poison-Control and Public-Health Dialogue

ANNU participated in the First Eastern Mediterranean Poison Center Association Congress and World Health Organization workshops.

The event supported regional exchange among poison-control centres, health professionals, international organizations and academic institutions.

ANNU’s role: Regional participant and health-sector contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 3 and 17.

5. Engagement with the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science

ANNU hosted the Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science for dialogue on cooperation in education, culture, science and UNESCO-related priorities.

ANNU’s role: Host and institutional dialogue partner.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 11, 16 and 17.

6. Faculty of Engineering Advisory Council

The Faculty of Engineering convened the first meeting of its advisory council.

The Council brings academic and professional stakeholders together to strengthen curricula, professional practice, innovation and labour-market alignment.

ANNU’s role: Initiator and convener.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 8, 9 and 17.

7. Open Dialogue with the Palestinian Doctors Syndicate

ANNU hosted the head of the Palestinian Doctors Syndicate for an open dialogue with medical students.

The discussion addressed medical education, professional development and the future of healthcare practice.

ANNU’s role: Organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 8 and 17.

8. PMSA–Nablus Summit

ANNU’s Faculty of Medicine and Deanship of Student Affairs launched the PMSA–Nablus Summit.

The Summit facilitated engagement among students, academics and medical-sector stakeholders.

ANNU’s role: Organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4 and 17.

9. Academic–Business Dialogue at the Palestinian Business Council Forum

ANNU participated in the Palestinian Business Council Annual Forum in Dubai.

The event promoted dialogue among universities, business leaders and economic-development stakeholders.

ANNU’s role: Institutional participant and academic–business dialogue partner.
Relevant SDGs: 8, 9 and 17.

10. Dialogue with the Minister of National Economy

ANNU hosted the Palestinian Minister of National Economy for a scientific meeting on competition and consumer protection.

The meeting connected government policy with academic expertise and public awareness concerning competitive markets and consumer rights.

ANNU’s role: Initiator and host.
Relevant SDGs: 8, 12, 16 and 17.

11. Community Dialogue on the Nablus Local Development Plan

ANNU participated in the annual community meeting reviewing the Nablus Local Development Plan 2023–2026.

University representatives contributed academic knowledge to municipal and community planning discussions.

ANNU’s role: Community-planning participant and academic contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 8, 11, 16 and 17.

12. Environmental Dialogue on Mercury and the Minamata Convention

ANNU’s Deanship of Student Affairs, the Environmental Quality Authority and scientific student societies organized a workshop on mercury and the Minamata Convention.

The workshop addressed chemical safety, environmental governance, public health and international environmental obligations.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 6, 12, 13, 15 and 17.

13. Media-Sector Dialogue on World Press Freedom Day

ANNU hosted field journalists and representatives of the Young Journalists Syndicate.

The dialogue addressed journalism practice, freedom of the press, field reporting and the responsibilities of media professionals.

ANNU’s role: Organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 16 and 17.

14. Dialogue on Medical Liability under Palestinian Law

ANNU organized a student dialogue session on medical liability involving academic, legal and human-rights specialists.

The dialogue connected medical education with legal accountability, professional ethics and patient rights.

ANNU’s role: Initiator, organizer and host.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 16 and 17.

15. Engineering Profession and Labour-Market Dialogue

ANNU’s Civil Engineering Society and the Engineers Syndicate concluded the EngZ labour-market preparation series.

The programme connected engineering education with professional expectations, employability and labour-market needs.

ANNU’s role: Co-organizer and academic partner.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 8, 9 and 17.

16. Integrity School 2026

ANNU students participated in “Integrity School 2026”.

The civic programme was implemented with national civil-society and public institutions to promote accountability, integrity and anti-corruption awareness.

ANNU’s role: Participating university and civic-education contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 4, 16 and 17.

17. Strategic Dialogue with the Palestinian Medical Association

ANNU and the Palestinian Medical Association established a strategic framework for developing medical education, research and postgraduate opportunities.

The engagement strengthened structured dialogue between the University and the medical profession concerning professional education, research and workforce development.

ANNU’s role: Institutional partner and academic contributor.
Relevant SDGs: 3, 4, 8 and 17.