Palestinian Higher Education in the International Context: the Role of Interuniversity Co-operation

Palestinian Higher Education in the International Context: the Role of Interuniversity Co-operation

Zajel / An-Najah National University The Role of Higher Education in the Context of an Independent Palestinian State 7-9 Nov.1996 The panel discussion was co-chaired by M.A.R. Dias, Director, Division of Higher Education of UNESCO and by Dr. Khaled Kan'an, Assistant to the President, Al­-Quds Open University. Dr Kan'an underlined two facets of international co-operation, which are of particular relevance for Palestinian higher education. They reflect the spirit of both solidarity and competitiveness that underlies such co-operation. It is important, therefore, for the Palestinian universities, for their teachers and students to know that, by seeking co-operation with higher education institutions abroad they enter a competitive field, in which they must act, as equal partners. On the other hand, such co-operation is also an expression of solidarity and of assistance in their efforts to better meet the needs of Palestinian society. Dr. Shihab Eldin, Director of UNESCO Cairo Office, referred to the need of strengthening links between Palestinian universities and universities in other parts of the world, particularly in the area of research. Since such links require substantial funding, he urged that a funding campaign be launched in the industrially developed countries, with the support of influential academics, scientific societies, foundations, public and private companies, etc. A special role could be played by Palestinian intellectuals, businessmen and entrepreneurs in the Diaspora. He further referred to the activities of the Cairo Office of UNESCO and offered its co-operation for the promotion of research at Palestinian universities, for enhancing the quality of teaching, particularly in science and technology, including through the PEACE Programe Network. Dr Sufian Kamal, President of Al-Quds Open University, referred to the gap between developed and undeveloped countries concerning higher education and the important role that interuniversity co-operation is called upon to play in reducing it. Palestinian universities are in great need of further developing their international links, in the effort to enhance their quality and relevance, to introduce advanced programmes and to promote research. Interuniversity co-operation needs will and ability, but also financial means. Palestinian universities have the will and are constantly developing their capacity, but the financial means are extremely limited. Dr Kamal made the following concrete remarks and recommendations aimed at promoting the participation of Palestinian universities in interuniversity co-operation: - All forms of interuniversity co-operation (bilateral and multilateral links, networking, etc.) should be pursued_ - International co-operation with Arab universities is reduced, and should be expanded_ - The Palestinian universities seek both moral and academic support from the foreign universities with which they co-operate. The latter are expected, therefore, to expand their role and to assume more responsibilities in this co­operation - Some Palestinian universities are less active in international co-operation, . because they lack the necessary know-how and infrastructures. The PEACE Programme should give priority to assisting them in order to build up the necessary knowledge and structures which should allow them to remedy this situation_ - PEACE Programme should give priority to granting scholarships for Palestinian staff, so as to strike the right balance between opportunities for post graduate students and for young academics to pursue further studies and to upgrade their training abroad_ - there are ample opportunities and a very strong need to develop co-operation with Palestinian universities in the field of the distance education. In the specific conditions of Palestine, distance education can play a key role in increasing access to higher education by making. it available to young people who would not have access to traditional forms of higher education. Also, it can overcome current difficulties in £Tee mobility of both staff and students. On the other, hand, it can be an instrument for upgrading teaching and research, through access to scientific data bases and to advanced teaching materials and methodologies.