Partnership and Expert Advice to Government

A National Partner in Policy and Development

An-Najah National University stands as a trusted national partner to the Palestinian government, providing scientific evidence, expert consultation, and professional training that strengthen the foundation of policy-making and public service. As one of the largest and most influential universities in Palestine, An-Najah leverages its academic depth and research excellence to guide government institutions in addressing critical national challenges related to sustainability, education, urbanization, environment, health, and economic resilience.

The University’s relationship with governmental bodies is rooted in the principle of knowledge for public benefit. Through continuous cooperation with ministries, municipalities, national agencies, and policy councils, An-Najah ensures that public decision-making is informed by data-driven research, innovation, and global best practices adapted to the Palestinian context.

Policy Guidance and Technical Expertise

An-Najah National University provides formal and informal advisory services to governmental entities through research-based policy guidance, technical reports, and participation in national committees.

Key examples include:

• Urban and Regional Planning Unit – Offers professional planning and regulatory advice to the Ministry of Local Government, municipal councils, and urban development authorities. The unit contributes to the formulation of national standards for spatial planning, building codes, and disaster risk reduction frameworks, helping municipalities adopt sustainable urban development practices.

• Urban and Disaster Risk Reduction Center – Works closely with the Palestinian Civil Defense and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing to design risk maps, conduct vulnerability assessments, and prepare emergency response guidelines to enhance national resilience to natural hazards.

• Environmental and Agricultural Policy Support – The Water and Environmental Studies Institute (WESI) and Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine provide evidence and policy recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Quality Authority on issues such as water reuse in agriculture, wastewater management, renewable energy in irrigation, and the Palestinian Certification System for Organic Products, where An-Najah serves as a core member of the national advisory team.

• Renewable Energy and Climate Policy – Through its Energy Research Center, the University cooperates with the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority (PENRA) to advance national renewable energy strategies, develop solar and net-zero energy models, and promote policies for rural electrification and clean energy access in marginalized communities.

• Public Health and Policy Advisory – The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences provides guidance to the Ministry of Health through joint research, public health surveys, and epidemiological studies that shape health policy on disease prevention, vaccination strategies, and mental health support.

• Education and AI Policy Development – The University’s Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Artificial Intelligence in Education has worked with the Ministry of Education to establish policy frameworks for the ethical and effective integration of AI technologies in schools and higher education systems, ensuring alignment with Palestinian educational values and digital transformation goals.

Evidence-Based Research Supporting National Development

The University’s centers conduct applied research that directly informs government planning and legislative reform. An-Najah’s contributions extend to areas such as energy transition, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, waste management, and digital transformation — each providing empirical evidence that supports national decision-making.

For instance, research conducted at An-Najah’s Center for Urban Planning and Development has informed national discussions on sustainable housing and infrastructure resilience, while the Institute of Water and Environmental Studies has produced national studies on water scarcity, leading to improved water governance and resource management at the policy level.

Moreover, the Economic and Social Studies Center regularly issues policy papers addressing unemployment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, supporting the Ministry of National Economy and Palestinian Monetary Authority with socioeconomic insights crucial to development planning.

Joint Conferences, Committees, and Capacity-Building

An-Najah National University plays a key convening role in policy dialogue and knowledge exchange, bringing together academia, government, and civil society to co-design policy solutions.

• The University organizes policy-focused conferences and workshops in partnership with ministries such as Education, Health, Agriculture, and Local Government, as well as international organizations like UNDP, UNESCO, and GIZ.

• Through its Community Service and Continuing Education Center, the University conducts capacity-building programs for municipal leaders, engineers, and government employees, providing specialized training in public administration, project management, environmental law, and digital governance.

• Academic experts serve on national policy committees, such as the Higher Education Reform Committee, National Renewable Energy Steering Group, and National Committee for Sustainable Development, ensuring academic voices contribute directly to shaping policy frameworks.

Strengthening Governance Through Knowledge and Innovation

An-Najah’s engagement with government extends beyond technical advice — it empowers governance through innovation and knowledge transfer.
By integrating academic research, applied science, and community outreach, the University bridges the gap between theory and implementation. Its research incubators and innovation hubs support the creation of start-ups and pilot projects that inform national strategies on green economy, circular economy, and digital transformation.

Through initiatives like the If You Hold a Sapling, Plant It campaign, the University has also influenced environmental policy frameworks by integrating environmental education and reforestation into national climate action and sustainable community development efforts.