Palestine Ahliya University Hosts Palestinian Minister of Agriculture to Discuss Prospects for Strengthening Joint Cooperation in Scientific Research, Academic Development, and Palestinian Community Service
Palestine Ahliya University Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Dawood Al-Zeer, received the Palestinian Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Rizq Salmiya, accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry and Director of Agriculture Directorate in Bethlehem Governorate, as part of efforts to strengthen academic and research cooperation between academic and agricultural sectors. The meeting was attended by Dr. Faeyz Abuamria, Vice President for Academic Affairs, along with the assistants of the University President.
Dr. Dawood Al-Zeer started the meeting by warmly welcoming the distinguished delegation and emphasizing the importance of strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions and national ministries, particularly in vital sectors related to sustainable development and food security. He highlighted the University’s commitment to advancing its academic and research programs in alignment with the needs of Palestinian society and labor market demands. He also commended efforts of Prof. Imad Al-Zeer, President of Palestine Ahliya University, and academic staff in enhancing University’s presence at both local and international levels, as well as developing its academic programs through expansion of academic partnerships and establishment of strategic cooperative relations that contribute to strengthening University’s academic and research role.
For his part, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Rizq Salmiya, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the warm reception. He outlined the Ministry of Agriculture’s key programs related to the protection of agricultural lands and the strengthening of farmers’ resilience, in addition to the agricultural projects and research initiatives supported by the Ministry in collaboration with academic and research institutions.
The Minister emphasized the importance of integration between the academic and governmental sectors, calling for reliance on three core pillars: digital transformation, skills development and enhancement, and blended and e-learning. He commended the pioneering experience of Palestine Ahliya University in the field of digital transformation and the employment of technology in the educational process, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vice President for Academic Affairs at the university, Faeyz Abuamria, responded to the Minister’s inquiries regarding biological programs at the university, explaining that this field is included among the proposals and study plans currently under consideration by the university administration and within its future orientations. Dr. Mahmoud Salahat, President Assistant for Administrative Affairs, also spoke about the university’s 2030 strategic plan and its developmental directions, which are grounded in innovation. He further inquired about the Ministry of Agriculture’s experiences in cooperating with international companies in the fields of training, knowledge transfer, and the exchange of practical expertise, in a way that contributes to the development of academic and professional competencies in the area of arid land reclamation.
Mr. Jiries Abu Ghannam, President Assistant for Public Relations and International Affairs, spoke about the university’s vision, which is based on rapid responsiveness to the various circumstances and challenges facing the country, whether during the COVID-19 pandemic or amid the war on the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the university’s success in ensuring the continuity of the educational process through the use of technology and e-learning, as well as in integrating students from the Gaza Strip into the academic system across different degree levels. He also addressed the university’s strategy for horizontal and vertical expansion of its academic programs in a manner that meets the needs of students and community.
The Minister Salmiya also encouraged the university to adopt further scientific research initiatives and to establish specialized research centers focusing on arid and semi-arid regions, particularly given the nature of Bethlehem Governorate, which is not considered one of the traditional agricultural governorates. This, he noted, necessitates the development of innovative scientific and research-based solutions that serve the Palestinian agricultural sector and strengthen food security programs.
At the end of the meeting, Dr. Dawood Al-Zeer expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Dr. Rizq Salmiya, for his insightful vision and constructive proposals. He also appreciated the Minister’s recommendations to support the protection and utilization of agricultural lands in Bethlehem Governorate, commending the suggestions to establish future memoranda of understanding for investment in joint academic and research programs that serve sustainable national development.
Reaffirming that Palestine Ahliya University was founded to function as a beacon of knowledge and an open gateway to learning for both students and researchers, thereby contributing to the service of the Palestinian community and homeland and advancing the path of sustainable development despite the challenging economic and political conditions it currently faces.
