Birzeit University and Pafos Municipality sign memorandum of understanding
On May 9, 2023, Birzeit University, represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Talal Shahwan, and Pafos Municipality, represented by Mayor Phedonas Phedonos, signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration between Birzeit University and the municipality in research, innovation, climate change issues and academic exchange.
The meeting was held at the university and attended by Mr. Demetris Assos, representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the State of Palestine; Dr. Ghassan Khatib, vice president for Advancement; Dr. Amir Khalil, director of External Academic Relations; and a delegation from the municipality.
Dr. Shahwan introduced the university’s academic programs, institutes and centers. He also elaborated on partnerships between Birzeit University and Cypriot universities, highlighting that Cyprus and Palestine are neighbors who share common values and prospects.
Mayor Phedonos maintained, “As a municipality, we like to foster connections between cities and universities by investing in education on a regional scale. Because innovation and technology are the key to entrepreneurship, we have collaborated with Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan on an innovation hub located in Pafos. We would like to expand this partnership to include Palestine and to create common programs between our universities.”
Ambassador Assos emphasized the significance of people-to-people relationships in building bridges between countries, as these efforts achieve what governments alone cannot do.
Dr. Khatib commented, “International partnerships are very important for us as Palestinians, as the Israeli occupation imposes restrictions that isolate Palestinian universities and assault higher education in Palestine. It is through collaborations and partnerships that we can overcome these restrictions and internationalize the university.”
Dr. Khalil talked about the opportunities international students have at the university. He discussed Birzeit University’s Palestine and Arabic Studies program and the flexible courses offered across departments, noting that Birzeit University looks forward to receiving students from Cypriot universities.
Later, the delegation went on a campus tour to learn more about the university’s faculties, institutes and facilities.
