Dura Municipality, University Graduates Association and Palestine Polytechnic University Explore Joint Programs and Projects in Education, Entrepreneurship and Youth Development

Dura Municipality, the University Graduates Association, and Palestine Polytechnic University discussed launching joint programs and projects in education, development, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment.

Dura Mayor Mr. Muhannad Amr and members of the Municipal Council received today, Sunday, at the municipality headquarters, Mr. Ahmad Saeed Al-Tamimi, Chairman of the Board of the University Graduates Association and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Palestine Polytechnic University, Dr. Mustafa Abu Al-Safa, President of the University, along with a number of members of the Board of Trustees and members of the university’s administrative and academic staff. The meeting focused on developing joint cooperation and launching programs and projects to serve the city of Dura and the governorate in the educational, developmental, and youth sectors.

Mr. Al-Tamimi emphasized the University Graduates Association’s commitment to continued development across various educational fields, facilities, and local and international relations. He stressed the Association and the University’s readiness to cooperate and engage with new initiatives and projects in Dura, while making use of the available expertise and resources of all parties.

For his part, Dr. Abu Al-Safa praised the existing relationship with Dura Municipality, noting the development of cooperation between the two sides through joint projects, student training, international networking, and efforts to enhance employment opportunities. He underscored the importance of moving toward joint planning that makes use of the University’s wide range of academic programs, as well as its scientific and research capabilities, to address the needs of the city and the governorate.

Dura Mayor Mr. Muhannad Amr expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, affirming the municipality’s commitment to developing practical programs with the University Graduates Association and Palestine Polytechnic University. He stressed the importance of linking academic and research expertise with the city’s needs and development plans, in order to translate available resources and capabilities into projects and services that have a direct impact on citizens.

Amr also emphasized the municipality’s interest in supporting higher education and strengthening international academic relations in cooperation with the University. This includes student and academic exchange programs, networking with international universities and institutions, as well as making use of students’ graduation projects, research, and innovative ideas to address real-world challenges and contribute to the development of municipal projects and services.

The meeting also addressed the establishment of a business incubator and an entrepreneurship center in Dura, providing a supportive environment for young people, innovators, and start-ups. Such initiatives would help bridge the gap between education and the labor market and create new economic opportunities. The participants also discussed developing a youth center to host training, entrepreneurship, and youth-led initiatives.

In this context, the participants emphasized the need to activate the role of the Dura Youth Council in cooperation with Palestine Polytechnic University and to involve its members in the programs, activities, courses, and training sessions organized by the University. They also discussed providing young people with access to the University’s facilities and academic and research expertise, as well as opportunities to participate in entrepreneurship, innovation, and youth exchange programs. These efforts would contribute to strengthening young people’s skills and expanding their participation in development and community initiatives.

The meeting also discussed Dura Municipality’s plan to establish a solidarity fund in partnership with various stakeholders. The fund would seek to attract local and international resources and contributions and direct them toward community priorities and needs, including supporting students and helping them continue their education.

The participants further discussed establishing a school affiliated with the University Graduates Association in Dura. The initiative would expand the Association’s educational presence and contribute to providing additional educational opportunities for residents of the city and surrounding areas.

The Mayor stressed that Dura’s plans are based on its position as a major service center for the city and the surrounding villages and communities. He noted that integration between the local institution, the university, and the education sector represents an important pathway toward achieving sustainable development. He also praised the national and academic role played by the University Graduates Association and Palestine Polytechnic University in serving education and Palestinian society.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants agreed to establish a joint higher committee comprising representatives of Dura Municipality, the University Graduates Association, and Palestine Polytechnic University. The committee will be responsible for identifying priorities, following up on the issues discussed, and developing implementation mechanisms and timelines to transform the proposed initiatives into practical projects and concrete steps that serve Dura and the governorate.