A Delegation from Lille Municipality Explores Opportunities for Collaboration with An-Najah University
An-Najah National University was honored to host a delegation from the French municipality of Lille on Wednesday, July 6, 2023. Led by Mrs. Marie-Pierre Bresson, Deputy Mayor of Lille for International and European Cooperation, the delegation comprised esteemed members of the Municipal Council of Lille. The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including Prof. Abdel Nasser Zaid, President of An-Najah National University, Mr. Raed Debiy, President's Assistant for Community Affairs, Dr. Zahraa Zawawi from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Mr. Hussam Al-Shakhshir, Deputy Mayor of Nablus Municipality, and Mr. Ayman Shakaa, Director of the Community Resource Development Center of Nablus Municipality.
During the visit, Prof. Zaid extended a warm welcome to the delegation and expressed gratitude for their visit, particularly considering the challenging circumstances faced by the Palestinian people. He highlighted the remarkable achievements of An-Najah National University, underscoring its position as the premier Palestinian university in various esteemed international rankings. Prof. Zaid also emphasized the University's commitment to sustainable development, showcasing its range of projects and programs carried out in collaboration with local and international agencies. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of fostering joint cooperation across all domains and strengthening the existing academic ties with French institutions and universities.
The French delegation affirmed the profound cooperative relations and friendship between Lille and Nablus, characterizing the visit as a continuation of the fruitful collaboration between academic institutions in both cities. Notably, they highlighted the close partnership with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and An-Najah National University Hospital.
The Deputy Mayor of Nablus seized the opportunity to shed light on the Nablus Boulevard project, an urban initiative forming part of the Sustainable Urban Development and Heritage component of the decentralized cooperation between Lille and Nablus. The project's objective is the revitalization of a 4.5-acre industrial wasteland, with an anticipated completion by 2025. Rooted in the desire to propose sustainable and integrated urban development, the renewal of this area, enriched with territorial resources, focuses on creating an accessible and sustainable space equipped with tailored services. This collaboration predominantly addresses urban planning issues and contributes to Nablus' overarching urban planning strategy.
The discussions between the French delegation and An-Najah National University proved to be highly productive, fostering an atmosphere of goodwill and collaboration. The visit underscored the shared commitment to academic cooperation and laid the groundwork for future joint endeavors in various fields.
