Visit to Al Quds University by Mr Reuben Gauci, Malta’s Representative in Palestine (third from left), together with Maltese and Palestinian academics.
During their visit, supported by the Erasmus+ programme, the three staff members participated in a two-day seminar on 'Cultural Heritage in Malta and Palestine – Buildings, Sites, Materials and Beyond'. The seminar was inaugurated by the Vice-President of Al Quds University, Prof. Hassan Dweik, who spoke about Palestine's rich cultural heritage and about the support that countries like Malta, as an EU member, can give towards its promotion and conservation.
The seminar was attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students of Al Quds University, University staff members, as well as Palestinian colleagues from NGOs active in the field of cultural heritage management and conservation, such as RIWAQ, and the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee.
Apart from the Maltese academics, speakers at the seminar, included Dr Hamdan Taha, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, as well as colleagues from Al Quds University, Dr Issa Sarie, Dr Hani Nur el-Din, Dr Ibrahim Abu Aemar and Prof. Salah Al-Houdalieh. Other professionals active in the Cultural Heritage field in Palestine gave presentations.
The seminar was attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students of Al Quds University, University staff members, as well as Palestinian colleagues from NGOs active in the field of cultural heritage management and conservation, such as RIWAQ, and the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee.
Apart from the Maltese academics, speakers at the seminar, included Dr Hamdan Taha, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, as well as colleagues from Al Quds University, Dr Issa Sarie, Dr Hani Nur el-Din, Dr Ibrahim Abu Aemar and Prof. Salah Al-Houdalieh. Other professionals active in the Cultural Heritage field in Palestine gave presentations.
The Maltese and Palestinian academics were pleased to welcome a visit by Malta’s Representative in Palestine, Mr Reuben Gauci, who held a meeting with Al Quds University Vice-President Prof. Hassan Dweik.
During the seminar, Prof. Cassar had the opportunity of announcing to the students who were attending that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta, for the fifth time, was offering full scholarships to Palestinian students to study in Malta, including one in the field of Built Heritage. This scholarship scheme has already resulted in two Palestinian graduates obtaining a Master's degree through the Department of Conservation and Built Heritage. Two other Palestinian graduates are currently studying for a Master's degree within the same Department.
During their visit, besides attending the seminar, Prof. Cassar, Dr Cefai and Dr Grima also delivered public lectures.