University representatives discuss possible cooperation with UK universities

Birzeit University participated in a meeting that gathered representatives of univiersities in Palestine and the United Kingdom at Al-Quds University on January 27, 2020.

Organized by the British Council in Palestine, the meeting explored opportunities and challenges in building partnerships between universities in Palestine and the UK, focusing on issues such as capacity building, joint research, new academic programs and exchange opportunities for students and academics.

UK universities were represented by the University of St. Andrews, University of Sussex, University College of Birmingham, University of Exeter and Lancaster University. From Palestine were present Birzeit University, Bethlehem University, Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron University and Palestine Ahliya University, whereas the Islamic University of Gaza and Al Azhar University participated via video conference.

Representing Birzeit University, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Iyad Tumar, Director of the External Academic Relations Office Amir Khalil, and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics Samia Al-Botmeh participated in the meeting.

The meeting explored key issues such as identifying barriers to and finding solutions for mobility and internationalization programs; the development of partnerships to foster capacity building in teaching, research, and innovation; and ways to enhance the quality of curricula and build skills that increase employability among students.

The participants celebrated the tenth anniversary of Higher Education Scholarship Palestine (HESPAL), a program founded by the British Council. The event also included tours to leading Palestinian universities where representatives looked into further opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with UK universities.