It was established following requests from the leadership of universities in Gaza for structured, long-term academic partnerships in response to the ongoing emergency facing the sector.
The consortium exists to ensure UK engagement is practical, coordinated and aligned with priorities identified by the higher education sector in Palestine. By coordinating our efforts, participating UK universities aim to ensure support is meaningful, equitable and sustainable.
The consortium provides a framework for coordination and partnership, through which participating universities can:
- support academic collaboration and partnerships
- share information and learning across institutions
- support sustained engagement between UK and Gaza universities
- align activity with priorities identified by Gaza universities
A central principle of the consortium is that international engagement should strengthen existing universities and support their continued role in teaching, research and institutional leadership.
The impact of the war on higher education in Gaza
Higher education in Gaza has experienced significant destruction, including damage to university campuses, infrastructure and academic facilities. Universities, staff and students have faced major challenges in sustaining teaching and learning.
Despite these circumstances, universities in Gaza have continued to maintain academic activity wherever possible, including through online teaching and remote engagement.
UK-Pal partners in Gaza
UK-Pal works in partnership with the Emergency Committee of Universities in Gaza.
The Emergency Committee — established by formal mandate from Al-Aqsa University, Al-Azhar University, and the Islamic University of Gaza — represents the majority of Gaza’s non-profit higher education sector and coordinates international academic engagement on behalf of its members. All consortium activity aligns with priorities identified through this structure.
All consortium activity seeks to align with priorities identified through this structure.
Engagement with the Emergency Committee provides the primary mechanism through which UK-Pal ensures activity remains partner-led and aligned with Gaza priorities in the first phase of the consortium.
UK-Pal is rooted in equitable partnership, academic collaboration and institutional leadership from Gaza.
UK-Pal’s immediate focus
Initially, the focus will be on supporting Gaza’s higher education system through coordination, academic engagement and partnership development.
UK-Pal is making a long-term commitment, rather than a short-term response.
Intended impact of UK-Pal
The aim is to ensure that UK engagement is:
- meaningful
- equitable
- coordinated
- sustained
- respect for the integrity of the higher education sector in Gaza
- led by the collective priorities of Gaza’s universities