The visit aimed to explore avenues for expanding cooperation between the University and UNESCO in education, research, human rights, sustainable development, and youth empowerment, in alignment with UNESCO’s mission in Palestine.

The delegation met with senior academic leaders, including Dr. Abdulsalam Khayyat, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Munqez Shtaya, Director of Scientific Centers, Prof. Saed Khayyat, Director of the International Grants and Projects Center, Dr. Anan Jayyousi, UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Management, Dr. Sanaa Alsarghali, UNESCO Chair on Human Rights, Democracy, and Peace, and Ms. Summer Abu Mughli, Partnerships and Global Initiatives Coordinator.

During the meeting, Dr. Khayyat outlined the University’s vision for expanding international partnerships and aligning them with national educational and research priorities, emphasizing initiatives that combine academic advancement with social responsibility. The UNESCO Chairs presented the impact of their work within the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Program, noting that the Human Rights, Democracy, and Peace Chair at An-Najah was the first of its kind in Palestine. Dr. Jayyousi highlighted the University’s contributions in water research and resource management, while Dr. Alsarghali underlined the importance of embedding human rights into curricula and academic life. Ms. Neyestani commended these efforts, expressing her pride in the partnership.

Prof. Khayyat presented the Academic Safe Corridor initiative and the TESI (Technical Education Support Initiative for Gaza), which has provided higher education opportunities for students in Gaza and served as a model for regional initiatives led by the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED). He also announced preparations for launching Horizon Gaza, a research-focused initiative designed to empower Gaza-based scholars.

On the community side, discussions covered the Graduate Employability 2030 Project, the Najah University Mentorship Initiative, and the Erasmus+-funded project on AI Policies in Education, which seeks to establish safe frameworks for the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and assessment.

The visit also featured an inspiring dialogue with three student leaders – Salma Abu Shamat (Faculty of Pharmacy), Marah Sarhad (Faculty of Engineering), and Abdel Nasser Abu Keshk (Faculty of Law and Political Science) – in the presence of Mr. Mohammed Daqah, Dean of Student Affairs, and Mr. Eyad Al-Aqra, Director of Student Affairs. The session coincided with International Youth Day, and students shared their experiences in leadership and civic engagement, while Ms. Neyestani praised their role in advancing education and community participation.

During a visit to the University’s “Nawwart An-Najah” Orientation Initiative for new students, Ms. Neyestani highlighted An-Najah’s commitment to shaping students’ character and fostering youth engagement alongside their academic paths. Students also presented their experiences in student-led initiatives, underscoring the importance of youth in advancing education and community development.

The visit concluded at the Old Campus with a meeting with Prof. Abdel Nasser Zaid, President of An-Najah National University, who stressed UNESCO’s crucial role in supporting education in the West Bank and Gaza, particularly under current circumstances. He affirmed the strategic importance of the partnership in strengthening both academic and community engagement.

The UNESCO delegation expressed deep appreciation for the University’s efforts and looked forward to further cooperation to support education, research, and sustainable development in Palestine.