On April 20^th, 2011, the International Relations Office at An-Najah National University organized EMUNI Day, the theme of the day was "Universities and Communities: One Challenge and Multiple Horizons".

Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI) based in Slovenia, is one of the six priority areas of the Union for the Mediterranean. It was established as an international network of Universities (with 179 institutions from 38 countries).

The attendees of the event included EMUNI University President, Prof. Joseph Mifsud and His Excellency, Mr. Igor Pogacar, Representative Office to the Republic of Slovenia, along with other Palestinian university presidents, representatives, academics and Directors of Scientific Centers. The event started with an opening speech by Prof. Maher Natsheh, Vice President for Academic Affairs on behalf of An-Najah National University's president Prof. Rami Hamdallah, who discussed briefly the Bologna process and its significance in higher education and stated that there is a gap between both shores of the Mediterranean. He added that while Europe has unified its academic system, the Southern Mediterranean countries are still using the American credit hour system, which needs a specific formula to convert to the EU system for accreditation. Moreover, the number of years spent on each degree is not identical, which imposes an impediment on academic exchanges. He added that the Southern shore still needs a lot of assistance, in terms of implementing the Bologna process. Prof. Maher added that An-Najah National University paved the way towards identical academic programs with EU ones, which enables a more harmonized higher education system and reduces the obstacles in student exchange. Prof. Maher concluded that academic diplomacy is a way of bridging nations and divided communities, and one way of achieving this is through our cooperation with EMUNI University.  

Following Prof. Maher Natsheh's speech, EMUNI President, Prof. Joseph Mifsud introduced EMUNI University and the many joint programs and activities it is currently undertaking. Prof. Mifsud stated that EMUNI has six priorities of the Union of the Mediterranean, including de-pollution, maritime and land highways, civil protection, alternative energies, higher education and research and the Mediterranean business development initiatives. He discussed ENPI (European Neighborhood Policy Initiative) and EU Service Project and its outcomes including developing innovations within the Union for the Mediterranean, reinforcing north-south and south-south mobility of ideas, expertise and academic know-how and awareness of the role of EMUNI and the European Union.  He added that EMUNI aims to promote harmonization of higher education within the Union of the Mediterranean, among topics to be addressed include, quality assurance policy, E-learning policy, concepts for Master study programs and concepts for PhD study programs.

Following Prof. Mifsud's speech, the representative of the Republic of Slovenia to the Palestinian Authority, His Excellence, Mr. Igor Pogacar expressed his office's continued support in easing the obstacles students face, in terms of visas and mobility.

Among the participants, the University's esteemed academics, delivered a presentation in their field of expertise. Nanotechnology and its uses, was presented by Prof. Hikmat Hilal, Chair of the Steering Committee, Center of Excellence in Materials Science and Nanotechnology. Water and environment and its efficient use of resources, was delivered by Prof. Marwan Haddad, Professor and Director of the Water and Environmental Studies Institute. Reconstruction of old buildings and cultural heritage was conducted by Dr. Ali Abdel Hamid, Director of the Center for Urban and Regional Planning. The use of clean and renewable energy in the community was delivered by Dr. Imad Ibrik, Director of Energy Research Center and Associate Professor in the Electrical Department in the Faculty of Engineering. Furthermore, Dr. Jalal Dabeek, Associate Professor and Director of Earth Sciences and Seismic Engineering Center discussed disaster and risk reduction and public awareness. 

Following the presentations, the University's academics answered questions addressed by EMUNI president, the representative of the Republic of Slovenia, and others and discussed joint projects in addition to possible collaboration initiatives with An-Najah National University.