On May 21, 2025, in Jericho, the final seminar was held to mark the conclusion of the pilot phase of the first year of the university course in Human Rights and Gender Equality. This course was developed as part of the “AMAL – Human Rights and Gender Equality” initiative, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and created in collaboration with civil society actors, local and international authorities. The aim is to promote and support the establishment of a culture of protection, respect, and realization of gender equality and human rights in Palestine.
The course, the first of its kind in Palestine, was developed in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education and involved four universities: Al-Najah, Bethlehem, Kadoorie, and the Arab American University. It was designed through a participatory approach and dialogue between faculty and participating university students and included seminars and roundtable discussions.
The opening of the final seminar in Jericho was attended by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Basri Saleh; the Consul General of Italy in Jerusalem, Domenico Bellato; the President of the National Authority for Accreditation and Quality of Higher Education, Dr. Moammar Shtaywi; and the Director of AICS Jerusalem office, Mirko Tricoli. During the event, students and faculty from the participating universities discussed key topics such as the sustainability of the course and strategies to mainstream human rights and gender equality in Palestinian academic education.
The conclusion of the pilot phase of the course marks a significant step toward building a culture of protection, respect, and fulfillment of gender equality and human rights in Palestine. With official accreditation expected, the course will be launched in 16 Palestinian universities, expanding educational opportunities for future generations of Palestinian leaders and professionals.
The end.
