What's on

Reconstructing Gaza: The Post-conflict Reconstruction of Higher Education in Gaza Conference

As a University of Sanctuary, the University of Glasgow has made a public commitment to supporting those forcibly displaced from their homes, and defending those universities who are facing geopolitical and humanitarian crisis.

We recognise that we cannot achieve this alone, and as the University’s Sanctuary Champion, I would like to invite you to join the University’s Reconstructing Gaza Conference. The aim of this conference is to consider how through collaboration and collective action, we can support the reconstruction of the higher education sector in Gaza, providing both an immediate emergency response but also supporting the longer-term sustainability of the sector.

The Conference will take place in-person at the University of Glasgow on Wednesday 11 December 2024, 09:30 to 17:00, on our Gilmorehill Campus.

Best wishes,

Rachel Sandison OBE
Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement)

Conference Programme

08:30-09:30: Registration

09:30-09:45: Welcome

09:45-10:25: Session 1: Opening Keynote and Q&A

The opening keynote will address the current state of the Higher Education Sector in Gaza and the support currently being provided by universities across the UK. The keynote will focus on existing collaborations and research links, as well as the potential long-term impact of these, and the importance of international partnerships in ensuring the restoration of Higher Education in Gaza

10:25-10:45: Break

10:45-11:45: Session 2: Supporting Universities through Geopolitical and Humanitarian Crisis: Reflections

This panel discussion will examine how the UK Higher Education Sector and partner organisations can support universities facing disruption due to humanitarian and geopolitical issues, ensuring not only their short-term survival but also their ability to remain operational in the long-term.

Considering recent conflicts and humanitarian crisis, the panel will discuss how universities in the UK can support those institutions impacted, taking into consideration issues such as physical and technological infrastructure, learning and leaching and research.

11:45-12:45: Session 3: Supporting Displaced Students and Academics

One of the key issues facing universities impacted by geopolitical and humanitarian crisis is the ability to continue to support their academics and students to prevent the loss of a generation of talent. This panel discussion will explore how partner universities can support institutions facing disruptions, while also ensuring that they avoid long-term “brain-drain.”

12:45-13:45 Lunch

13:45-14:30: Session 4: Restoration Through Collaboration: Bilateral Partnerships and Networks

This session will explore the importance of international networks and partnerships, and global collaboration in supporting universities through geopolitical and humanitarian crisis. Together, panellists and attendees will consider how to develop effective long-term equitable strategic partnerships with institutions facing significant disruption or reconstruction, which are reciprocally beneficial in the long-term.

14:30-15:45 Workshop: Supporting Post-conflict Reconstruction of Higher Education in Gaza

Conference delegates will be asked to reflect on the discussions which have taken place throughout the conference and consider how the UK Higher Education Sector and partner organisations can support and plan for the post-conflict reconstruction of the higher education sector in Gaza.

Delegate will be asked to consider a series of questions focusing on research, learning and teaching as well as technological and physical infrastructure and the role that UK higher education institutions and others can play in supporting Palestinians in the task of developing a roadmap to recovery post-conflict.

15:45-16:00 Break

16:00-16:45 Feedback Sessions and Discussion

Feedback from the workshop session will be considered in an open forum discussion hosted by Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement), Professor Rachel Sandison OBE.

16:45-17:00 Closing Remarks