Funded by the Government of Denmark with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the project aims to promote green jobs and support green enterprise development for Palestinian youth with a special focus on fostering social development, addressing gender inequalities, and stimulating local green economic growth. This will reflect into enhancing food security and social and economic stability within the Palestinian community.

The event was attended by Prof. Abdel Nasser Zaid, President of the University, Mr. Keitel Karsen, Representative of the Danish government, Dr. Ciro Fiorillo, Representative of FAO, Dr. Heba Al-Faris, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, a number of the University’s academic and administrative staff, interested university students, and representatives of companies and institutions hosting the trainee students. 

In the opening speech, Prof. Zaid welcomed the attendees, stressed the key role the University plays in supporting Palestinian youth, and fostering the development of agriculture with greater emphasis on environmental impact and the development of production potential in Palestine.

Mr. Karsen discussed the project’s goals and highlighted the Danish government’s efforts in supporting the Palestinian youth by offering several employment opportunities. He also referred to the difficulties and obstacles that the Palestinian youth face in their life.

Dr. Fiorillo highlighted the importance of the food and agriculture sector in Palestine as a means of preserving natural resources. He also talked about contemporary farming methods and techniques.

In her speech, Dr. Al-Fares thanked the Danish government and all the project’s partners for providing such opportunities for university students, referring to outstanding success stories resulted in the first phase of the project.

The event included signing several agreements and training contracts between the project’s participants and the companies hosting the trainee students. It concluded with an open discussion with the participants who shared their hopes and aspirations for the project, and discussed the biggest obstacles that the Palestinian youth face in their life, including high rates of unemployment, lack of financial support needed to launch a private project.