An-Najah National University Delegation Concludes Successful Visit to Arizona State University
A delegation from An-Najah National University (ANNU), representing the Climate Futures Exchange Project, completed a highly productive visit to Arizona State University (ASU) from September 7 to 15, 2024. Led by Dr. Mutasim Baba, the delegation included Prof. Allam Mousa, Dr. Sameh Monna, and seven students who were winners of the Sustainability Design Competition held in May 2024. This visit was part of a collaborative initiative between ANNU and ASU, supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative, managed by the Aspen Institute.
The visit's comprehensive agenda was developed in close coordination with ASU partners, including Dr. Philip Horton, Dr. Marc Neveu, and Ph.D. candidate Mohammad Al-Rajihi. It featured a series of meetings, workshops, and site visits, emphasizing sustainability, innovative design, and academic collaboration. One of the key moments was a meeting with Ambassador Maen Rashid Areikat, Advisor to ASU President Michael Crow for the MENA region, where discussions focused on expanding joint initiatives such as student exchange programs and collaborative research.
Representatives from the Stevens Initiative of the Aspen Institute, Ms. Maryam Lally and Ms. Lindsey Penn, accompanied the delegation, actively participating in several workshops and engaging with students from both universities. They explored opportunities to broaden the scope of the exchange project to enhance its regional and international impact.
In addition to academic sessions, the delegation visited leading architectural firms in Tempe and Phoenix, specializing in sustainable and energy-efficient design. These visits facilitated valuable discussions with experts working on climate-resilient projects. A standout experience was the delegation's visit to ASU's Virtual Reality Lab, where students were trained in cutting-edge VR applications, with a focus on fields like biology and architecture.
The delegation held discussions with senior ASU officials, including vice presidents and directors, to explore avenues for deepening institutional collaboration. These meetings aimed to create mutually beneficial opportunities for students and communities in both Palestine and the United States.
The visit culminated in a meeting with ASU President, Prof. Michael Crow, who warmly received the ANNU delegation. Dr. Baba conveyed greetings from An-Najah University’s President and extended an invitation to Prof. Crow to visit ANNU. The meeting concluded with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Prof. Crow as a symbol of appreciation and commitment to future cooperation.
This visit signifies a major step forward in strengthening academic and research collaboration between ANNU and ASU, particularly in the fields of sustainability, climate change, and innovative design. Both universities are eager to continue their partnership in the years ahead. The participating students expressed their gratitude for the experience, noting the profound impact it had on them, particularly highlighting the warm reception they received from the ASU community.
