Bethlehem University has hosted a meeting that brought together the presidents of universities in the Bethlehem Governorate to discuss pressing issues facing the higher education sector in Palestine and to strengthen cooperation and networking among the academic institutions operating in the area.

 Dr. Fadi Kattan, executive vice president of Bethlehem University, welcomed the guests on campus and expressed his appreciation for this initiative, which comes at a time when higher education is facing challenges, necessitating joint efforts and the exchange of ideas and experiences to address them effectively. 

Attendees included Dr. Imad Al-Zeer, President of Palestine Ahliya University; Rev. Prof. Mitri Raheb, President of Dar Al-Kalima University; Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, President and Director of Bethlehem Bible College; and Dr. Mohammad Dweib, Director of the Bethlehem branch of Al-Quds Open University. 

The meeting included an in-depth discussion of the current state of higher education, focusing on ways to develop academic programs to meet labor market needs, strengthen scientific research, and activate partnerships with the local community and private sector. They also discussed the importance of enhancing digital infrastructure and e-learning.

The participants emphasized the need to continue holding such coordination meetings on a regular basis, recognizing their significant impact on building an effective network of collaboration among universities—one that unifies efforts, offers a national model of institutional synergy, and positively contributes to the quality of education and the interests of students in Bethlehem and across Palestine.