Creating pathways to meaningful employment is essential to building inclusive and resilient communities. On Monday, 19 October 2026, Bethlehem University hosted the “National Inclusive Employment Day,” bringing together public institutions, employers, civil society organizations, and job seekers to promote fair employment opportunities, with a particular focus on the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Labor, QADER for Community Development, and Bethlehem University, in partnership with the Local Employment and Training Council in Bethlehem Governorate, under the patronage of Minister of Labor Dr. Enas Al-Attari and Bethlehem Governor Mr. Mohammad Taha Abu Alia.

Approximately 40 companies and employers joined representatives of local government, trade unions, and community organizations, creating a space for direct engagement between employers and job seekers from diverse backgrounds. The program included employer meetings, recognition of participating institutions, and success stories supported by QADER and the Ministry of Labor, highlighting efforts to expand access to employment.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Fadi Kattan, Executive Vice President of Bethlehem University, connected the initiative to the University’s longstanding commitment to education, inclusion, and empowerment. He explained that supporting the education of persons with disabilities is an established part of the University’s mission, reflected in its strategic plan through a clear objective to increase their enrollment. He also highlighted the campus’s logistical and environmental accessibility, which supports students with different disabilities and helps provide an inclusive learning environment.

The opening session featured speeches from Bethlehem Governor Mr. Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, Ms. Lana Bandak of QADER for Community Development, and Mr. Ayman Odeh, Director of the Bethlehem Directorate of Labor, representing the Ministry of Labor. Speakers emphasized the need for practical measures to address unemployment, remove barriers to employment, and ensure that persons with disabilities have fair access to professional opportunities and the dignity that comes with meaningful work.

The participation of employers and community partners reflected the importance of collaboration in advancing inclusive employment. By connecting job seekers with potential employers and bringing together institutions working toward shared goals, the event helped strengthen local efforts to make the labor market more accessible and responsive to different needs.

Partner institutions expressed their appreciation to Bethlehem University for hosting the event and providing a space for dialogue and cooperation. The initiative demonstrated how universities can contribute beyond the classroom by bringing together public, private, and civil society partners to address community challenges.

For Bethlehem University, inclusive employment is closely connected to its broader educational mission: expanding opportunity, supporting human dignity, and helping individuals participate fully in their communities. Through partnerships such as this, the University continues to contribute to efforts that promote equal opportunity and more inclusive, sustainable economic development in Palestine.