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 on 11 December 2024, the University hosted the Reconstructing Gaza: The Post-conflict Reconstruction of Higher Education in Gaza Conference, the first of its kind hosted at a UK Institution.  The aim of this conference was 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 engagement during the sessions and workshop has reinforced the importance of collaboration and collective action in addressing the challenges faced by higher education institutions in conflict-affected regions. I would like to particularly express my gratitude to our speakers and chairs, especially those who powerfully shared their personal experiences with us.

We hope that this event has provided those who attended with valuable knowledge, connections, and inspiration to further your work. We will be in touch with attendees in early 2025, with a list of collated actions and next steps from the conference.

Together, I hope that we can progress practical approaches to foster resilience, restore academic continuity and create pathways for students, academics and institutions in Gaza to thrive.

Best wishes,

Rachel Sandison OBE
Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement)

 

 

First published: 11 December 2024

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Speaker Biographies & Programme

Follow up conference: Hamad Bin Khalifa University