The University of Barcelona launches the first chair for Palestinian Studies with the participation of Dr. Sanaa Al-Sarghli from An-Najah National University

Nablus - Ofoq News - The Spanish University of Barcelona witnessed a historic academic event represented by the launch of the first university chair specializing in Palestinian studies in Spain, and the first of its kind, with the participation of Dr. Sanaa Al-Sarghli, holder of the UNESCO Chair for Human Rights, Democracy and Peace and associate professor of constitutional law at An-Najah National University, along with academic, diplomatic and cultural figures, in an important step towards strengthening the presence of Palestinian studies in European academic institutions and opening new horizons for scientific and research cooperation with Palestinian universities.

Dr. Al-Sarghali’s participation came at an official invitation from the University of Barcelona, ​​where she delivered a speech during the inauguration ceremony in which she addressed the academic and historical importance of establishing this chair, and its role in enhancing the presence of Palestinian studies as a field of knowledge that deals with Palestinian history, thought, culture, identity, and political, legal, and social issues. It also highlighted the contributions of Palestinian thinkers and intellectuals to the production of human knowledge, and the importance of providing broader academic spaces to study the Palestinian experience in its various dimensions.

In her speech, Al-Sarghali stressed the importance of the chair being based on the principle of true academic partnership with Palestinian institutions and researchers, so that the Palestinians are not just a subject of study and research, but rather active partners in producing knowledge and developing studies related to their history, society, and future.

She pointed out the importance of the chair forming a platform for scientific and research exchange, including cooperation between faculty members and researchers, providing opportunities for academic exchange for students, and developing joint research projects that allow Palestinian universities to contribute directly to formulating research and knowledge agendas related to Palestine.

It also addressed the Palestinian reality and the challenges facing higher education institutions, stressing the importance of international academic initiatives in supporting the continuity of research and education, and enhancing the presence of Palestinian knowledge in international universities, especially in light of the exceptional circumstances that the Palestinian people are going through.

The new chair was launched under the name “UB–Fundacions Ferrer Chair for Palestine Studies”, in a joint initiative between the University of Barcelona and the Ferrer Foundations, and with the support of the Ferrer Social Justice Foundation, with the aim of developing Palestinian studies and promoting interdisciplinary scientific research on the history of Palestine, its society, its culture, its heritage, and its political and legal issues.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the speech and participation of the President of the University of Barcelona, ​​Professor Juan Guàrdia, who stressed the importance of the role played by university institutions in promoting knowledge and defending human rights, stressing the university’s commitment to supporting Palestine and enhancing academic cooperation with its educational and research institutions.