An-Najah National University Showcases Leadership in Virtual Exchange at AAC&U 2024 Global Learning Conference
Washington, DC – An-Najah National University marked a milestone in its commitment to advancing global education by participating in the 2024 American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Conference on Global Learning, held from October 24–26 in Washington, DC. Represented by Alia Gilbrecht-Hendi, the university joined a distinguished session titled "Fostering Equitable Virtual Exchange: Palestinian and US Case Studies in North-South Partnerships."
The session addressed pressing issues such as epistemic injustice, global power dynamics, and actionable strategies for achieving equity in Virtual Exchange (VE) and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). Highlighting An-Najah’s innovative approach to equitable virtual exchange, the session provided valuable insights into cultivating resilient and fair partnerships between institutions in the Global South and North.
Dr. Younus Mirza, Director of the Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning at Shenandoah University, co-led the session. He underscored the significance of amplifying the voices of Palestinian higher education, noting, "Sharing An-Najah's pioneering work at this conference reshapes the narrative around equitable partnerships and highlights the resilience and contributions of Palestinian institutions to global education."
Dr. Amjad El-Qanni, Director of the Academic and Professional Development Center at An-Najah National University, played a vital role in preparing for the session. Despite travel barriers preventing his attendance, Dr. El-Qanni’s contributions were instrumental in shaping the discussion and ensuring the university's impactful presence at the conference.
The AAC&U 2024 Global Learning Conference centered on promoting inclusive and equitable global education, emphasizing the integration of career readiness with intercultural skills and advancing cutting-edge practices such as virtual exchange. Key topics included professional development for educators, assessing the impact of global learning, and demonstrating its value across diverse academic disciplines.
For the first time, An-Najah National University was represented at this prestigious conference, which draws leading academic figures, educators, international education professionals, and student affairs experts from the United States and around the world. This participation not only reaffirmed An-Najah's leadership in global education but also solidified its role as a key contributor to international academic discourse and innovation.
