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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 GUU Dinning Hall, University of Glasgow on Wednesday 11 December 2024.

Best wishes,

Rachel Sandison OBE
Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement)

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Conference Programme

GUU Dining Hall, University of Glasgow - Wednesday 11 December 2024

09:00-09:45: Registration

09:45-10:00: Welcome

Rachel Sandison
Alison Phipps


10:00-10:40: Session One - Opening Keynote, Rebuilding Higher Education In Gaza: Lessons From Two Decades Of Donor Funding

  • Sultan Barakat, Professor in Public Policy, Qatar Foundation's Hamad Bin Khalifa University
  • Dr Savo Heleta, Durban University of Technology, Internationalisation Specialist

This keynote will discuss the findings from a research project that systematically examined the volumes and types of foreign aid to higher education in Palestine by donors reporting official development assistance (ODA) to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development during 2002-2022. Aid directed to local higher education has been uneven, fragmented and sporadic, undermining the efforts to strengthen and/or rebuild local institutions.

The session will offer insights into potential funding sources for the reconstruction of higher education in Gaza.

Format: Keynote and audience Q&A


10:40-11:00: Break


11:00-12:00: Session 2: Supporting Universities through Geopolitical and Humanitarian Crisis: Reflections

Chair: TBC

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

Drawing from lessons learnt from recent conflicts and humanitarian crisis, the panel will consider how UK universities can support impacted institutions, taking into considerations areas such as physical and technological infrastructure, learning and teaching and research.

Format: Panel Discussion with Chair

Confirmed Speakers:

  • Humza Yousaf, Scottish National Party, MSP for Glasgow Pollok
  • Harish Lokhun, Head of Education, British Council Scotland
  • Celia Partridge, Deputy Director, Partnerships & External Affairs, Universities UK International
  • Dr Savo Heleta, Durban University of Technology, Internationalisation Specialist


12:00-13:00: Session 3: Supporting Displaced Students and Academics

Chair: TBC

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

Format: Speakers present 5-7min response to the session topic, followed by chaired discussion and Q&A.

Confirmed Speakers:

  • Mr Stephen Wordsworth, Council for At-Risk Academics, Executive Director
  • Prof Saleem Haj-Yahia, Visiting Professor (School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health), University of Glasgow
  • Dame Nicola Dandridge DBE, Trustee, Council for At-Risk Academics (virtual)
  • Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries, Director of Sanctuary Programme, King’s College London
  • Ms Aleks Palanac, Head of Sanctury at Leicester, University of Leicester

 
13:00-13:45 Lunch


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

Chair: TBC

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

Format: Panel discussion with Chair

Confirmed Speakers:  

  • Sultan Barakat, Professor in Public Policy, Qatar Foundation's Hamad Bin Khalifa University
  • Dr Mona Jebril, Research Associate at Centre for Business Research, and Bye-Fellow at Queens' College- University of Cambridge
  • HESPAL Scholar
  • Dr Maria Grazia Imperiale, Lecturer in Adult Education (School of Education) and Dr Giovanna Fassetta, UNESCO Chair Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts (RILA), University of Glasgow - LINEs4Palestine Leads

 

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

Conference delegates will be asked to reflect on the discussions that have taken place over the course of the conference and consider how the UK Higher Education Sector and partner organisations can support and plan for the post-conflict reconstruction of higher education in Gaza. Working in groups, delegates will be asked to consider a series of questions focusing on research, learning and teaching as well as technological and physical infrastructure and focusing on 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.

Format: Workshop

Feedback from the workshop session will be considered in an open forum discussion.


15:45-16:00 Reflections and Closing Remarks