The Association of Friends of Al-Quds University in Germany held its annual conference at the Hilton Hotel in Düsseldorf under the theme “Building Bridges for the Future.” Participants included Al-Quds University President Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek, prominent figures from academia, medicine, and parliament, and representatives of German and Palestinian institutions and organizations.
The conference explored ways to strengthen German-Palestinian cooperation in higher education, medical and vocational training, scientific research, innovation and digital transformation, and youth empowerment. It also highlighted applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare and the experiences of Palestinian students and trainees at German institutions, helping to open new avenues for knowledge exchange and develop academic and professional partnerships.
Al-Quds University President Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek expressed his pleasure at supporting the Association’s annual conference. He noted the participation of representatives from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the parliamentary group of MP Josef Neumann, and the Johannes Rau Foundation for Research, represented by its chair, Ms. Ramona Fels. He said the conference resulted in the signing of significant agreements to support and train the University’s students, as well as a cooperation agreement with the German Halima Foundation. Preparations are also underway for a future strategic partnership with the Johannes Rau Foundation, which will expand opportunities for students and researchers and open new avenues for academic and research cooperation between Palestine and Germany.
The conference also saw the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Halima non-profit organization in Germany and the Association of Friends of Al-Quds University, as well as an agreement to support a project for the University’s students. This step will strengthen cooperation and broaden the support available to Palestinian students.
Ms. Ramona Fels, Chief Executive Officer of the Johannes Rau Foundation for Research (JRF), also announced the Foundation’s readiness to build a partnership with Al-Quds University and carry out joint scientific and research projects. Further details will be announced at a later date.
The conference was attended by a number of German figures and institutions, including Mr. Josef Neukirchen, a member of the Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia; Dr. Mohamed Khaskaya, Head of Academic Cooperation for the Middle East and North Africa at the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD); Professor Shadi Al-Barqouni, Professor of Computational Medical Imaging Research at University Hospital Bonn, who discussed applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare; and Mr. Ibrahim Al-Rafai, Director of Training and Qualification Programs at the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Iraq.
On the sidelines of the conference, meetings and discussions were held with representatives of academic, research, and parliamentary institutions; heads of associations and community initiatives; and members of the Union of Palestinian Doctors and Pharmacists in Germany. They explored opportunities to build future partnerships, exchange expertise, and develop joint initiatives and projects.
In a related development, the Association looked back on its seven-year record, during which it has provided approximately 500 vocational training opportunities in Germany for students from Al-Quds University’s faculties. The conference was attended by several students who had benefited from these opportunities, highlighting the initiatives’ role in building bridges of connection and professional development between Palestine and Germany, even under the most difficult circumstances. This year’s conference also welcomed academics who had travelled directly from the Gaza Strip.
The conference underscored the importance of continuing to build bridges of cooperation between Palestinian and German institutions and investing in young people and academic and research talent. These efforts can open the way to lasting partnerships that contribute to the development of education, scientific research, healthcare, and community service.
Al-Quds University expressed its appreciation to the Association of Friends of Al-Quds University in Germany, represented by its president, Mr. Jamal Mahmoud, as well as to everyone involved in organizing the conference and the entire team. The University commended their continued efforts to support the University and its students and to expand their academic and professional opportunities in Germany.
