Palestinian Universities Strengthen Sustainability and Governance Capacities through SHIFT-MED Governance Workshops

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) project SHIFT-MED – Shaping the Future of Universities: Twin Transitions across the Mediterranean – Palestinian partner universities successfully participated in the intensive training programme titled “Governance Workshops for Twin Transition in Universities”, held in hybrid format between 4–15 May 2026

The workshops brought together academics, Sustainability Committee members, researchers, and institutional representatives from Palestinian Higher Education Institutions, alongside international experts and consortium partners from Tunisia, Türkiye, and Italy. The programme aimed to strengthen institutional capacities for sustainability governance, strategic transformation, and digital transition in universities across the Mediterranean region.

Throughout the five-day programme, Palestinian participants actively engaged in thematic sessions focusing on stakeholder engagement, innovation ecosystems, sustainable development, institutional governance, strategic planning, and sustainability leadership.

During the first sessions, participants explored the role of innovation ecosystems and stakeholder engagement mechanisms in supporting sustainable transformation processes within universities. Interactive activities and governance simulations enabled participants to exchange experiences and discuss practical approaches for strengthening collaboration between universities, communities, industry, and policymakers.

The second day focused on sustainable development concepts and the role of Higher Education Institutions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions addressed environmental and social sustainability challenges, ESG frameworks, green campus approaches, sustainability-oriented curricula, and community engagement strategies. Palestinian university representatives contributed actively by sharing institutional experiences and sustainability initiatives implemented within their universities.

The workshops also provided practical training on strategic planning for environmental performance and sustainability governance in universities. Participants worked collaboratively on developing draft institutional sustainability strategies, stakeholder engagement approaches, and governance mechanisms tailored to their institutional contexts.

A strong emphasis was placed on sustainability leadership, institutional governance, and resource management. Sessions addressed leadership and change management, internationalization strategies, diversity management, and inclusive governance approaches required for building resilient and future-oriented universities.

The final day focused on practical implementation tools for Sustainability Committees within universities. Participants developed institutional action plans, stakeholder maps, sustainability indicators, and monitoring approaches to support the operationalization of sustainability governance structures in Palestinian Higher Education Institutions.

The training programme was enriched through collaborative group work, institutional exercises, peer discussions, and digital interactive tools such as Mentimeter, Kahoot, AhaSlides, and Wheel of Names, creating a highly participatory and practice-oriented learning environment.

Through their active participation in the SHIFT-MED Governance Workshops, Palestinian universities further strengthened their commitment to promoting sustainable development, green governance, and digital transformation in higher education.

🌱 The SHIFT-MED project continues to support Palestinian Higher Education Institutions in building more sustainable, resilient, innovative, and internationally connected universities capable of leading the twin green and digital transition across the Mediterranean region.