With the Participation of Dr. Naim Abu Hommos and University Presidents

Opening of the 6th International Conference in Bethlehem University on Palestinian-European Educational Development

Al-Ayam Newspaper
27 February 2005

From Hasan Abdul-Jawad. The 6th Assembly of the PEACE Program (Palestinian-European Academic Cooperation in Education) expressed its support to the endeavors to develop Palestinian higher education. The Conference convened yesterday in Millennium Hall, Bethlehem University.

Participants called on their governments, parliamentarians, government institutions, and churches, to pressure Israel to stop its oppressive measures against Palestinian universities and educational institutions, and to consider academic rights as an integral part of human rights.

Dr. Manuel Hassassian, Executive Vice President of Bethlehem University, opened the Conference . In attendance were: Dr. Naim Abu Hommos, Minister of Education and Higher Education; Dr. Nabil Kassis, President of Birzeit University; Hanna Nasser, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bethlehem University; Rami Hamdallah, President of An-Najah University, Dr. Younes Amro, President of Al-Quds Open University; Brother Vincent Malham, President of Bethlehem University; Dr. Gabi Baramki, Consultant to the Ministry of Higher Education; Louisa Morgantini, Head of the Development Department in the E.U., Timothy Rothermel, Special Representative of the UNDP Administrator, and a large number of presidents and academicians from Palestinian, European, and American universities, in addition to representatives of research and developmental institutes in Palestine.

Brother Vincent Malham welcomed the participants and spoke of the crucial role of Palestinian-European-American cooperation in the development of higher education.

Dr. Hassassian opened the session on behalf of the Preparatory Committee of the Conference and Bethlehem University, and he said: “we are proud to host this distinguished assembly in Bethlehem University at a time when the Palestinian people are making history as a nation that deserves a state of its own, a flag, national anthem, sovereignty, and an independent and sustainable economy.”

Dr. Hassassian spoke about the current difficult conditions in Palestinian universities as a challenge that must be overcome, and one that requires dedication and the consolidation of capabilities. He added that the work of Palestinian universities assumes great important and respect in Palestinian society because the universities provide students with an atmosphere of pluralism, openness, and respect, at a time when the students come from backgrounds that are diversified socially and religiously and from cities, villages, and refugee camps.

Dr. Naim Abu Hommos spoke about the difficult circumstances of local universities and the various developmental stages of Palestinian education. He added that the Israeli Occupation authorities are behaving against educational institutions, in an arbitrary manner, and putting impediments that restrict development. Dr. Abu Hommos praised the PEACE Program.

Dr. Nabil Kassis said that the conference opens broad possibilities for Palestinian-European cooperation in all academic fields. He spoke about the importance of strategic planning, improving the relations between the various universities, with reciprocity as the basis and framework for relations between Palestinian and European universities.

Prof. Gabi Baramki described the serious endeavor to promote Palestinian-European relations as one that opens the possibility for Palestinian higher education institutions to provide better opportunities to faculty and students. Dr. Baramki noted the important role of the PEACE Program to overcome obstacles that impede Palestinian education.

Dr. Rami Hamdallah considered the conference as continuation to previous conferences and programs in this field, and as a mechanism to strengthen European-Palestinian cooperation in the development of higher education.

Dr. Hamdallah stated that the PEACE Program will provide scholarships to students and faculty of Palestinian universities to pursue their education in European universities in scientific fields not available in Palestine.

Dr. Amro [of Al-Quds Open University] said that local universities need all sorts of support to develop their teaching-learning process, so as to raise the standards of academicians and to improve the educational and technical services. He added that Al-Quds Open University is pinning great hopes on the PEACE Program to develop Palestinian higher education, and he stated that his University will benefit from the PEACE Program in the field of electronic education.