Prof. Rana Samara, Assistant President for International Academic Cooperation at Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, met with Prof. Stéphane Pallage, President of the University of Quebec in Montreal, at the university's headquarters in Montreal, Canada to discuss the situation of Palestinian universities, including Kadoorie University with its three branches, and the challenges faced by its academic and administrative staff and students.
During the meeting, Prof. Pallage presented a document from the University of Quebec in Montreal's Board of Directors regarding decisions about the situation in Palestine and Palestinian universities, expressing his university's readiness to collaborate with Kadoorie University at all levels.
Prof. Pallage also emphasized the University of Quebec in Montreal's commitment to social justice and freedom of expression, ensuring that current and future academic agreements respect academic freedom, intellectual property, and the independence of universities in knowledge production, dissemination, and transfer.
He furtherly stated that the university's foundation would avoid direct investments in funds or companies benefiting from armament, and annually disclose its investment list, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the West Bank and condemned attacks on higher education institutions in Palestine.
Prof. Pallage reiterated his university's willingness to collaborate with Kadoorie University on all levels. Both parties agreed to sign a memorandum of cooperation, including academic collaboration, graduate student exchanges, and research cooperation for faculty members.
They also agreed to maintain communication and cooperation to achieve academic justice for Palestinian universities and Kadoorie University.
This visit is part of a series of meetings with Canadian universities in Quebec and Ontario by Prof. Samara to explore collaboration opportunities with Kadoorie University.
