An-Najah Organizes a Workshop on National Priorities in Higher Education
An-Najah's Office of International Development and External Affairs (IDEA) in cooperation with the National Erasmus+ Office in Palestine organized a workshop on "Identifying National Priorities in Higher Education based on the National Policy Agenda and in Compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals."
The workshop was attended by Mr. Simone Brotini, European Union Representative to Palestine, Dr. Ihab Qubaj, Assistant Deputy Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Nedal Al Jayyousi, Director of National Erasmus+ Office in Palestine, Dr. Kherieh Rassas, Vice President for International Development & External Affairs, Prof. Mohammed Al-Subu, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Imad Ibrik, EU - Project Coordinator at An-Najah University as well as the University vice presidents and assistants, the deans and members of An-Najah's academic and administrative bodies.
The workshop started with a speech by Dr. Rassas who talked about the importance of developing a national strategy to identify priorities in higher education in Palestine in the context of the latest global scientific, technological developments. She also stressed the importance of producing graduates equipped with adequate competencies and skills to excel in the labour market. Dr. Rassas discussed the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be applied to higher education institutions in Palestine, stressing the importance of formulating the priorities of higher education locally in compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals as well as global trends in education.
During his remarks, Mr. Brotini discussed the role of the European Union in supporting projects aimed at strengthening and empowering higher education institutions in Palestine and stressed the importance of benefiting from Erasmus+ projects which play an important role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, supporting the Palestinian society by developing its human resources with the aim of reducing unemployment and poverty.
Dr. Qubaj highlighted the many advancements in higher education institutions in Palestine despite the political and financial challenges. He also talked about the importance of institutional integration within a country in higher education and the importance of strengthening partnership with the private sector as well as promoting vocational and technical learning.
Dr. Jayyousi noted the crucial role that the Erasmus + Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE) play as members of a consultative body to reform Palestinian education policies. He also explained the role of HEREs in Palestine, the role of Eramsus + programs, projects and upcoming events.
Dr. Imad Brik discussed many of the current Erasmus and EU projects being implemented at An Najah and their national impact.
Following the presentations, Prof Al-Subu' led a dialogue with the attendees on the national priorities and challenges facing higher education institutions (HEIs) and graduates. He talked about the strategic plan of the university and how it is in alignment with the priorities of higher education in Palestine.
The session was concluded with recommendations on how to help address the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through Palestinian higher education policies.
