Conference on Rebuilding Higher Education in Gaza

The College of Public Policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in collaboration with several international institutions, is organizing a conference focused on the critical task of rebuilding higher education in Gaza. This event aims to address the extensive damage to educational infrastructure and systems following recent conflicts, which have led to a collapse of essential services. The conference will bring together leaders from Gaza's higher education sector with international experts, academics, and organizations to discuss immediate and long-term needs, challenges, and strategies for recovery. Reconstruction of higher education in Gaza is considered vital for the socio-economic recovery of the region, peacebuilding efforts, and the preservation of Palestinian culture and identity. The conference will delve into the financial requirements, the role of international support, and global best practices in post-conflict educational reconstruction. It will also explore the specific needs of women in Gaza and ensure equitable access to education during the rebuilding process. The conference will facilitate dialogue based on recent research, including needs assessments and analyses of financial aid flows to higher education in Palestine. It seeks to inform strategies for international support and ensure that reconstruction efforts are aligned with the priorities of Gaza's academic community, learning from past experiences to avoid donor-driven agendas.

Curriculum

This conference is designed to explore various facets of rebuilding higher education in Gaza. Thematic areas include:

1. Conference Themes
   • Scale of destruction and immediate, medium-, and long-term needs of Gaza’s higher education sector.
   • Financial cost of reconstruction and types of support required (e.g., international scholarships, funding for staff, rebuilding infrastructure).
   • Global trends in post-conflict reconstruction of higher education and the importance of prioritizing Gaza’s academic sector in recovery efforts.
   • The role of international aid, donors, and solidarity in rebuilding higher education and reversing the impacts on Palestinian academia.
   • Lessons learned from previous efforts to rebuild Gaza’s higher education institutions, including challenges with donor-driven agendas.
   • Importance of higher education rebuilding for the empowerment of women in Gaza, addressing gender disparities, and ensuring equitable access to education.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Conference on Rebuilding Higher Education in Gaza about?

This conference, organized by Hamad Bin Khalifa University's College of Public Policy, focuses on the reconstruction of higher education in Gaza, addressing infrastructure damage and service collapse. It brings together Gaza's higher education leaders with international experts to discuss recovery strategies.

What are the main themes of the conference?

The conference themes include the scale of destruction and needs, the financial cost of reconstruction, global trends in post-conflict higher education rebuilding, the role of international aid, lessons learned from past efforts, and the importance of rebuilding for women's empowerment in Gaza.

How can I participate in the conference?

Interested researchers and scholars must submit an abstract of maximum 300 words related to the conference themes. This can be done via the provided link.

What is the deadline for abstract submission?

The abstract submission deadline is March 10, 2025. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by March 16, 2025.

Is there any funding available?

Limited funding is available to support displaced Palestinian academics and administrators with travel and accommodation costs. You should indicate if you require this assistance when submitting your abstract.