An-Najah PR Students Simulate an International SDGs Summit in an Innovative Academic Experience “4Sustain”
In a hands-on learning experience that bridges academic study with real-world practice, students enrolled in the “Conference and Event Management” course at the Department of Public Relations, Faculty of Business and Communication at An-Najah National University, organized a simulated international summit on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the title “4Sustain – Writing Sustainability on the Land of Stories.” The event took place on Monday, 26 May 2025, at the Law Auditorium on the New Campus, under the supervision of Dr. Suha Sbouh, course instructor.
The event was attended by Prof. Abdel Naser Zaid, President of the University, and Mr. Raed Debiy President's Assistant for Community Affairs. They expressed their pride in the students’ initiative and in the successful organization of such a distinguished event. Prof. Zaid noted that the activity aligns with the University’s strategies for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the importance of applied learning experiences in fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of responsibility among students toward their communities.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Sbouh reflected on the depth of the experience, expressing her pride in the students’ achievements. She emphasized that the conference was not merely a student activity, but the outcome of a comprehensive experiential learning process that values creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on implementation. She also noted that selecting the SDGs as the core theme reflects students’ awareness of contemporary global challenges and their belief in their role as Palestinian youth in building a more just and sustainable future.
On behalf of the students, Tala Tu‘ma delivered a welcoming speech, expressing appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the event. The opening also included a national address by Sameh Boubli, followed by the Palestinian national anthem and a moment of remembrance for the martyrs, reflecting the realities and ongoing challenges faced by the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza.
Ms. Yasmeen Shahrour, Head of the Public Relations Department, also delivered a speech in which she commended the students’ performance and organizational skills. She emphasized the importance of such experiential activities in shaping students’ personalities, enhancing their leadership and communication skills, and connecting academic learning with real societal and human contexts.
Throughout the conference, students conducted four simulation sessions addressing pathways toward achieving the SDGs both globally and locally. The sessions focused on quality education, effective partnerships, innovation and technology, and public health, with students representing different countries including Palestine, Canada, Finland, Japan, Korea, the UAE, Sweden, and Germany.
The conference also witnessed active participation from several student associations that contributed to its organization and implementation, including the Medical Laboratory Association, the Medical Students’ Union, the Language Center Association, and Engineers Without Borders, highlighting the strong spirit of collaboration and integration across the University’s student body.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Sbouh expressed her pride in the collective effort behind the event, noting that the simulation was more than a university exercise—it was a model of the real impact young people can achieve when given trust and opportunity. She also extended her appreciation to the Faculty administration, University leadership, student associations, Public Relations Department, and supporting institutions for their contributions to the success of the event.