Symposium Marks Launch of Awaited Law and Economics Master’s Program

The Faculty of Law and Public Administration at Birzeit University celebrated the launching of a Master’s Program in Law and Economics by holding a symposium on the integration of law into development planning and legal policies. The event was attended by representatives of the government and private institutions, civil society, and the European Union.

The symposium discussed the importance of the new interdisciplinary program, which will groom specialists versed in understanding economic phenomena and creating legal solutions to current global challenges. Speakers highlighted the need for professionals with a cross-disciplinary understanding of the numerous legal and economic issues that exist locally and internationally.

Director of the Law Master’s Program Mahmoud Dodeen identified in his welcoming remarks the philosophy of the program, its courses, and vision.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Henry Giacaman emphasized the importance of this newly-inaugurated master's program, saying that it will develop new distinctive knowledge in a unique field.   

Dean of the Faculty of Law and Public Administration Yaser Amouri talked about the contributions of the program, which promise to help in building solid Palestinian institutions, especially in the fields of law and economics. “We seek to develop students' academic capacities and research skills by providing an ideal learning environment for studying these two independent sciences," Amouri stated.

As part of its commitment to international development cooperation and promoting internationalization of education systems around the globe, the European Union has supported the new master’s program from its beginnings.

Head of the Governance Section at the EU Lisa Tanttari reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to international development cooperation and promoting international education systems. She highlighted the efforts that the EU had invested in allowing this program to grow and prosper, including the provision of technical assistance, the construction of courts and new facilities, and the provision of legal assistance.

“We aim to strengthen the rule of law, increase mobility of students and future trained professionals, encourage professional development and partnerships, and contribute to salient debates on issues of Palestinian economic development,” she told the audience.

Tanttari alluded to the EU’s support of research and innovation via global programs, including Horizons 2020 and Erasmus +, both of which contribute to the process of sustainable development.

Other notable guest speakers included the president of the National Commission for Accreditation and Quality of Higher Education Institutions Mohammed Al-Sobaou, and General Manager at Pal Lis Company professor Mohamed Hellas. They spoke about the urgent need for this academic specialization, which educates students in decision-making processes for the drafting of legislative and economic policy, and enhances their ability to dialogue with relevant local, national and international stakeholders.

The Master of Law and Economics offers a thorough examination of the globalized economy through rigorous training in theoretical and applied economic analysis. It is part of an EU funded project supporting the development of a master's program in Criminal Law at Al-Najah University and Al-Quds University, and this master’s program of Law and Economics at Birzeit University, supporting national capacity in higher education.