On 15 October, Palestinian, Egyptian and German researchers and institutional representatives came together at the DAAD Regional Office Cairo for the symposium “Rebuilding Academic Futures in Regions of Crisis – Trilateral Dialogues for Sustainable Cooperation”.

The symposium was organized by Technische Universität Berlin, the laison offices from Freie Universität Berlin and Philipps-Universität Marburg, with the support of the DAAD COSIMENA programme and the German Federal Foreign Office. It created a space for exchange on how academic cooperation can contribute to rebuilding higher education in Gaza and other regions affected by crisis.

At the centre of the discussions was the question of how universities can continue to fulfil their academic and societal roles under conditions of destruction, displacement and uncertainty. Participants emphasized that academic reconstruction is not only a matter of rebuilding physical infrastructure. It also requires the restoration of institutional capacities, academic networks, recognition structures and opportunities for students and researchers to remain connected to the international academic community.

A keynote by Prof. Dr. Shadi Albarqouni provided an overview of the current situation of higher education in Gaza, while also highlighting existing local initiatives and structures. He drew attention to the importance of academic recognition, digital learning opportunities and international cooperation. A key message of the keynote strongly resonated throughout the day: resilience must not be understood as mere endurance. Instead, it requires sustained institutional support, meaningful partnerships and concrete opportunities for cooperation.

Three Workshops on Academic Reconstruction

The symposium was structured around three thematic workshops that addressed different dimensions of academic reconstruction in crisis contexts.

The first workshop, “Societal Transformation and Trauma Response”, focused on the psychosocial consequences of war, displacement and prolonged insecurity for students, families, teachers and academic institutions. Participants discussed the role of universities as spaces of learning, support and social stabilization. Particular emphasis was placed on trauma-sensitive education and culturally appropriate psychosocial support.

The second workshop, “Infrastructure, Water, and Coping with Destruction”, explored the close connection between academic reconstruction and basic urban infrastructure. Discussions addressed the damage to water and sewage systems, energy supply, transport routes, educational facilities and health infrastructure. Participants underlined that reconstruction efforts need to be locally led, context-sensitive and implemented in phases — from stabilization and reconnection to long-term rebuilding.

The third workshop, “University Reconstruction: Capacity, Early-Career Researchers, and Digital Transformation”, examined how academic continuity can be safeguarded under crisis conditions. The discussion focused on the situation of students and early-career researchers, as well as on mentoring, co-supervision, flexible recognition procedures, digital certificates, micro-credentials and accessible digital teaching formats.

From Dialogue to Action

The symposium concluded with the panel discussion “From Dialogue to Action – Strategic Pathways for Academic Cooperation in Times of Crisis”, moderated by Dr. Sarah Wessel of the Berlin Center for Global Engagement of the Berlin University Alliance (BUA). The panel brought together representatives from Forschungszentrum Jülich, Al Azhar University Gaza and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research / BMFTR.

The discussion highlighted that universities are not only affected by crisis and destruction, but are also essential actors in societal recovery. They educate the professionals needed for reconstruction, psychosocial support, infrastructure development and long-term social resilience. Trilateral cooperation between Palestinian, Egyptian and German institutions was identified as a particularly valuable approach, bringing together Palestinian priorities and expertise, Egyptian regional proximity and capacities, and German academic and funding networks.

The participation of colleagues from across the region, including representatives of the DAAD Regional Office Amman and the German Jordanian University, further underlined the regional relevance of the dialogue.

The symposium demonstrated the importance of sustained academic cooperation in times of crisis. It offered an important platform for listening, exchange and the development of shared perspectives on how higher education can be supported as a foundation for future recovery.