Birzeit University Hosts Preparatory Meeting for the Annual Conference of the Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund (PSSF), with Wide Participation from Higher Education Institutions
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Birzeit University hosted a wide preparatory meeting for the upcoming Fourth Annual Conference of the Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund (PSSF). The event brought together a delegation from the PSSF—including prominent Palestinian business figures from Chicago and supporters of Palestinian universities—as a preparation for the conference, which will be held at the university the following day under the theme “Innovation and Creativity.”
The meeting was attended by the Chairperson of Birzeit University’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, University President Dr. Talal Shahwan, as well as several board members and representatives from Palestinian universities: Hebron, Palestine Polytechnic, Bethlehem, Al-Quds, An-Najah, and Kadoorie. Also present were Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Amjad Barham, Head of the Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence, Eng. Adnan Samara, alongside academics and economic figures who actively support Palestinian education.
Participants discussed ways to strengthen collaboration with the PSSF and to broaden partnerships between universities and supporting institutions to ensure the sustainability of education, particularly in light of the challenging political and economic conditions in Palestine, particularly the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.
Birzeit University affirmed the vital role the PSSF plays in supporting Palestinian students and helping universities fulfill their educational and research missions. Additionally, the university emphasized that community and diaspora partnerships are a cornerstone in reinforcing the resilience of the education sector.
Minister Barham praised both Birzeit University and the PSSF for their efforts. "Investing in Palestinian students is a national priority, and education is the first line of challenging the scholasticide imposed by the occupation,” he stressed.
Attendees commended Birzeit University for hosting both national and international initiatives aimed at advancing higher education. They described the upcoming conference as a strategic opportunity to foster dialogue among stakeholders on effective ways to support students and promote creativity and innovation across Palestinian universities.
The conference aims to spotlight success stories in education support driven by community and diaspora initiatives, and to showcase how Palestinian universities are cultivating learning environments that nurture innovation, contributing to a future of greater justice and self-reliance for Palestinian students.
