In a detailed analysis reminiscent of the complexities of modern warfare, it has been determined that Israel's extensive military operations in Gaza are not only a source of profound humanitarian concern, but also a significant environmental issue.

According to the evaluation conducted by the authors, it has been estimated that in the first 35 days of heightened conflict, emissions amounting to approximately 60.304 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents were discharged. The figure encompasses a range of sources, including fuel consumption, munitions, Trinitrotoluene (TNT), the demolition of buildings and the reconstruction of civilian infrastructure. Most of these emissions are attributed to the destruction and subsequent rebuilding of infrastructure, a stark reminder of the often-overlooked environmental consequences of warfare. Further, projections suggest that should the conflict continue for a year, as hinted at by Israeli forces, the total emissions could escalate to an alarming 629 million tonnes CO2e. The findings of this analysis underscore the paramount importance of integrating environmental considerations into the processes for resolving conflicts and the strategies employed for post-conflict reconstruction.

Fuel consumption

Deep insights into the environmental impact of contemporary warfare reveal a notable concern: the substantial greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the extensive use of fuel in conflict zones significantly contributes to climate change. However, accurately quantifying the fossil fuel consumption in these areas poses a significant challenge, primarily due to the limited availability of data and the uncertainties associated with the scope of these environmental impacts. A detailed analysis of such consumption would necessitate a wealth of data and assumptions, including the quantity of vehicles used in military and logistical operations, their operational characteristics, the distances they travel and the structure of supply chains. Acquiring this kind of military-related information is rarely feasible in peacetime and virtually impossible during conflict. Alternatively, a broader approach might involve making educated guesses about the military forces' fuel usage. Despite the limitations and uncertainties of available data, this method could offer a rough estimate of fuel consumption levels. The Israeli occupation forces were supplied with 300 kilotonnes of these fuels in September. In October, this figure significantly increased three times, indicating a notable escalation in fuel supply to these areas. This increase is similar to the increase that happened during the Russian-Ukrainian war. 

In the national reports on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions submitted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), emissions related to military activities are categorised under 1.A.5 OTHER (Not elsewhere specified) in the standard reporting framework. This category encompasses emissions from all unspecified fuel combustion sources, which includes emissions stemming from the use of military fuels (1.A.5.a for stationary combustion and 1.A.5.b for mobile combustion). Although this category might cover other sources of emissions as well, it represents the most dependable data source for evaluating the extent of military-related emissions in Gaza prior to the Israeli’s invasion. According to the most recent data available for UNFCCC, 448.03 kilotonnes CO2 is generated by 140 kilotonnes of fuel. Thus, total fuel consumption by Israel’s war on Gaza is estimated at 1.92 million tonnes CO2e, so far.

Munitions

During the war, artillery weapons were extensively used. These weapons can fir1e a projectile weighing around 40 kg to distances ranging from 17 to 40 kilometres. The GHG emissions are generated from the production of raw materials for munitions, their transportation to battlefields, the combustion of the propellant when fired, and the explosion of the warhead upon impact. As these munitions are likely refurbished to replenish stocks during the war, the emissions from their production are significant for assessing the war's climate impacts.

The daily artillery usage varies greatly, estimated between 5,000 to 60,000 rounds, and fluctuates with the intensity of frontline shelling. It is assumed that Israel uses 50,000 rounds daily (or 1.85 million over 35 days). These conservative estimates factor in limited information and high uncertainty. Additionally, significant munitions are destroyed in strikes on depots, further impacting emissions. The average CO2e emissions for each artillery round used in this context is approximately 1.4 tonnes resulting in approximately 2.59 million tonnes CO2e.

Emissions from TNT usage

The emissions resulting from Israel's use of TNT during the conflict can be quantified based on the amount of TNT used and the CO2 emissions it produces. Israel utilised a total of 30,000 tonnes of TNT, equivalent to 30,000,000 kilogrammes. The combustion of TNT generates a significant amount of carbon dioxide, with each kilogram of TNT producing approximately 1.467 kilograms of CO2. The total emissions from TNT usage are so far 0.044 million tonnes CO2e.

Emissions from building demolitions

The CO2 emissions resulting from the1demolition of buildings during the conflict are a significant contributor to the overall environmental impact, particularly within the context of the construction industry's role in global CO2 emissions. The construction industry plays a significant role in global CO2 emissions, accounting for approximately 11 per cent of the total. This percentage includes emissions from a range of activities such as the production of energy-intensive materials like concrete and steel, the transportation of these materials, the operation of construction machinery, and notably, the demolition of buildings. When a building is demolished, it not only generates a considerable amount of waste but also leads to substantial CO2 emissions. For example, demolishing a 100-square-metre office building typically results in about 1,000 metric tonnes of waste and approximately 110,000 kg of CO2 emissions.

In the scenario of the conflict, where an estimated 50,000 buildings have been destroyed, each with an average size of 500 square meters, the environmental impact is markedly high. The larger size of these buildings implies a proportional increase in both waste and CO2 emissions as compared to smaller structures.

Assuming each 500-square-meter building generates around five times the waste and CO2 emissions of a 100-square-meter building, the cumulative effect on CO2 emissions from the demolition of these buildings is substantial, reflecting the significant environmental cost of such widespread destruction in conflict zones. This also highlights the importance of sustainable construction practices, such as the development of green buildings, which have a much lower CO2 emission footprint compared to traditional construction methods. The total emissions from Building Demolitions are so far 27.5 million tonnes CO2e.

Reconstruction of civilian infrastructure

The reconstruction of civilian infrastructure, a crucial aspect in the aftermath of conflict, carries with it significant CO2e emissions. On average, the reconstruction of each destroyed unit is estimated to generate approximately 565 tonnes of CO2e. Given the extensive damage incurred, with around 50,000 units needing reconstruction, this equates to a substantial total of 28.25 million tonnes of CO2e. This estimate is aligned with the emissions observed in similar reconstruction efforts, such as those following the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

In summary, the total CO2 emissions resulting from various activities during the first 35-day conflict are considerable and are estimated to be approximately 60.304 million tonnes CO2e. If the conflict were to extend for a year, as suggested by the Israeli occupation forces, the total emissions could potentially escalate to around 629 million tonnes CO2e, which is equivalent to the production of CO2e emissions of an industrial country like Germany in 2020. This total notably includes the significant emissions from the destruction and subsequent demolition of buildings, the most substantial contributor in this assessment. Such figures highlight the profound environmental impact of the conflict, underscoring the need for considering environmental factors in conflict resolution and post-conflict recovery.

20 November 2023

The President of Yarmouk University, Professor Islam Massad, affirmed that the two brotherly peoples of Jordan and Palestine meet together in a number of commonalities that have brought them together throughout history, thus forming a solid unity that is strong and powerful. This came during Massad’s participation in the blood donation campaign organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the Faculty of Law, under the slogan “Whoever saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all people” to support the people of Gaza and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people. Massad said that the Yarmouk supports the wise Hashemite leadership and its honorable stance in supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and advocating them against the brutal massacres they are subjected to by the Israeli occupation forces. He also stressed that Yarmouk will not hesitate to help the families in Palestine and will remain keen on promoting the national values among the University students and creating a conscious generation that believes in the issues of its homeland and nation. Massad also praised the willingness of students and employees to donate blood remarking their keenness to carry out their humanitarian and national responsibility.

It is noteworthy that the organization of this campaign was supervised by the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Law for Student Affairs, Dr. Diala Al-Ta’ani and Dr. Safaa Al-Suwailami from the Faculty, in coordination with the Imprint of Hope Association from the local community and the blood bank at the Ministry of Health.

20 November 2023

There is a broad consensus regarding the adverse impacts of the Israeli occupation forces' war on Gaza, both on the Palestinian economy and the economies of the surrounding region. Similar to economies worldwide, this region has faced a series of successive shocks in recent years, starting with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the effects of climate change, and even extending to the Russian-Ukrainian war. However, the blockade imposed on Gaza seventeen years ago has been particularly devastating, leading to the collapse of its economy. Similarly, the economy of the West Bank has faced significant challenges due to the obstacles imposed by the occupation.

A report, jointly published two decades ago by several reputable international organizations (including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations Trade and Development Organization (UNCTAD)), sounded the alarm about the dire consequences of allowing the Palestinian territories to plunge into crises and poverty. Unfortunately, over the years, the living conditions in both the West Bank (around 3.1 million individuals, including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip (2.2 million people) have deteriorated significantly. The situation in the Gaza Strip, in particular, has worsened due to the imposition of an Israeli blockade after the Islamist group Hamas took control in 2007.

Therefore, it can be said that prior to the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance against Israel on 7/10/2023, coupled with the subsequent declaration of war on Gaza, the economic situation in the West Bank, particularly in the Gaza Strip, was very difficult. As per the findings of the World Bank, the economy of Gaza experienced a contraction of 2.6% in the first quarter of this year. This decline can be attributed to a substantial downturn in the agricultural and fishing sectors, where a decrease of 30% was observed, resulting from the occupation authorities' decision in August 2022 to impose restrictions on the sale of Gaza fish in the West Bank.

Examining the employment situation in Gaza, all metrics present a cause for great concern. Data provided by the World Bank reveals an unemployment rate of 46.4% (equivalent to approximately 245 thousand individuals), among the youth, this rate reached an alarming 60%. Moreover, a staggering 83% of the working population in Gaza receive wages below the minimum acceptable threshold. As a result, more than half of the population lives below the poverty line, while two-thirds of households in this coastal enclave battle food insecurity. In comparison to Gaza, the situation in the West Bank can be characterized as relatively less severe. The unemployment rate in the region stands at 13%, and approximately 23% of the population experiences food insecurity. However, the West Bank's economy faces significant challenges due to restrictions imposed by the occupation forces, including the presence of numerous checkpoints and laws that curtail the freedom of movement for individuals. Israel accounts for 70%-80% of the West Bank's exports and imports, further exacerbating its economic dependency.

One can easily anticipate the impact of the war of extermination and starvation on Gaza's people's livelihoods and the reality of the aforementioned figures. Mr. Khaled Al-Assili, the Minister of National Economy of the Palestinian Government, noted that according to the statistics of 2022, the number of industrial and commercial establishments in the Gaza Strip reached 50,000 establishments, varying from factories to shops in local markets. Unfortunately, these establishments have become targets of Israeli missile attacks, resulting in unprecedented losses in the history of military operations in the region.

Mr. Al-Asili highlighted that since 7/10/2023 factories have closed their doors, while the Palestinian Ministry of Economy lacks any statistics on the extent of the destruction, due to the ministry's limited mobility. Al-Assili, further stated, "Streets no longer exist, nor do sewage networks, and, most significantly, Israel targeted the deteriorating electricity infrastructure. Gas and fuel supplies have depleted, while the labor force struggle to secure shelter for their families."

The latest assessment of the Israeli aggression on Gaza (as of Friday, 27/10/2023) indicates unprecedented figures that depict the scale and the magnitude of killings and destruction. The number of martyrs reached 7,028, with 18,484 injured individuals. Furthermore, the number of displaced individuals reached 1,500,000, partial damage was incurred by 190,000 residential units, while 29,000 units became uninhabitable. Additionally, 189 schools were damaged, 38 mosques were completely destroyed, and three churches suffered significant damage (Source: Palestinian Ministry of Health and the Gaza Government Office).

In conclusion, it is of paramount importance for this savage war, whose objectives extending beyond military targets to the destruction of the social and economic infrastructure and render the Gaza Strip uninhabitable, to cease. In this regard, his Majesty King Abdullah II reaffirmed Jordan's unwavering position in rejecting any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from their lands. His Majesty considered the denial of food, water, and electricity to innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip as a "war crime" that the international community must reject. His Majesty also stressed the necessity of opening humanitarian passages to facilitate the urgent medical and relief assistance to the Strip, calling for stopping the war on Gaza and preventing its spread to the West Bank, to mitigate their destabilizing consequences on the broader regional security landscape.

14 November 2023

Al-Safadi: strengthening the home front and standing behind the leadership, army, and security authorities are the protective shield and support for Palestine.

Massad: Our constants are based on His Majesty’s vision and decision: “No to the displacement of Palestinians... No to an alternative homeland.”

Massad: Yarmouk will remain at the forefront of national scientific institutions, lifting Jordan’s renaissance and creating generations beholding national, Arab, and humanitarian concerns.

The president of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Al-Safadi, said that His Majesty King Abdullah II speaks with the voice of truth and expresses the conscience of humanity, as there is no way to achieve security and stability in the region except by stopping the brutal Israeli aggression against Gaza Strip and maintaining the rights of the Palestinian people. Al-Safadi attended a dialogue symposium organized by the late Samir Al-Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies at Yarmouk University entitled “Jordan’s firm positions under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II towards the Palestinian case and the repercussions of the war on Gaza and the importance of Strengthening the home Front”. The symposium held in the presence of the University President, Professor Islam Massad, in Al-Kindi Auditorium, was moderated by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Mohammad Anqara.

Al-safadi stated that Jordan has become at the forefront of the global political scene through the communications and meetings held by His Majesty the King. He pointed out that His Majesty the King is leading a broad international movement, and therefore Jordan has become a center for regional and international interaction and a focus for effective diplomacy aiming at stopping Gaza war and creating a political horizon that brings everyone back to the dialogue table. He then stated, "We are proud of the young men of the Royal Jordanian Air Force who, based on royal directives, carried out an airdrop to provide urgent medical and pharmaceutical aid to the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza Strip, considering that the Jordanian field hospital is still performing its duty of conscience despite the bombing and destruction witnessed by the Strip." He also stressed the importance of preserving the home front, confirming that "We must always give priority to the voice of wisdom in such difficult and delicate circumstances".

For his part, Massad said: “At this sensitive historical stage, we stand behind our role model and ideal, His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein, whose firm positions and insightful visions expressed in international forums always support the Palestinian cause and advocate it against the aggression practiced by Israel.” He added that we in this country reject the war, destruction, and genocide and that we support Palestinians with everything we have. Massad also stressed that Yarmouk University will remain at the forefront of national scientific institutions, lifting the renaissance of Jordan and creating generations beholding national, Arab, and humanitarian concerns.

At the end of the symposium, an extensive discussion took place in which Al-Safadi answered the students’ and attendees’ questions and inquiries.

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20 November 2023

The Dean of Student Affairs at Yarmouk University, Dr. Moatasem Shatnawi, confirmed that the University provides its international students with the utmost care and follow-up deploying all its capabilities to enable them to continue their studies and succeed in the labor market after graduation. During his meeting with representatives of the Indonesian community students studying at the University, Shatnawi said that the Deanship of Student Affairs is always trying to provide all the services needed by its international students, create an attractive university environment for them, and provide them with the opportunity to participate in various student activities and implement their own activities in coordination with the deanship. Al-Shatnawi also expressed the University’s pride in being the home for Indonesian students known for their academic excellence and good morals, expressing the University’s wishes for them to succeed in their studies and enjoy their life experience at the University.

In return, the representatives of Indonesian students studying at Yarmouk appreciated the University’s interest in helping international students and its keenness to provide them with much care in all matters related to their study and stay in Jordan. They also extended their thanks and appreciation to the University administration and the Deanship of Student Affairs, expressing their wishes for Jordan and its people to keep progressing and achieve prosperity.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for international students, Dr. Yari Al-Nimri, and the Director of the Student Welfare Department at the Deanship, Mohammad Al-Saad.

20 November 2023

Armed conflicts threaten not only civilian populations, but also cultural property. Although cultural heritage is protected by several legislation, for example the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict of 1954 AD, this did not prevent the Zionist entity from targeting Palestinian cultural heritage, as those who do not respect the lives of children and innocent civilians will not respect the integrity of cultural heritage.

The Israeli offense forces launched its aggression against Gaza Strip several times. Its new series began in late 2008, late 2012, 2014, 2019, 2021, 2022, and most recently 2023. This led to widespread damage in all aspects of the Palestinian life, including economic, social, and urban life. Its impact on the urban heritage represented by archaeological sites and architecture has a broader impact, and every time the Palestinians were subject to death and thre heritage was subject to theft and destruction. Even the intangible cultural heritage, such as customs, traditions, foods, and fashions, was not spared from Israeli tampering, and they attributed much of it to themselves.

Gaza is full of many places of cultural significances, such as museums and important archaeological and cultural sites. All of these places and sites have suffered and are suffering from the effects of the Israeli aggression, especially with the aggressor’s use of white phosphorus bombs, which are banned internationally, as well as seismic bombs.

Gaza Museums

Gaza includes 12 museums containing approximately 12,000 artifacts, all of which were built through personal efforts from the desire of the people of Gaza to preserve their heritage. These museums were subjected to varying degrees of damage as a result of the Israeli bombing, in addition to leaving some of them unguarded or followed up, either displacing those in charge of them or killing some of them, which led to the theft of many of their exhibits, which in many cases appear again in Israeli museums.

The Israeli bombing caused great damage to the Khan Yunis Museum, destroyed many artifacts, and severely damaged the museum building. Among the most prominent museums in Gaza that were subjected to damage ranging from cracks in their walls and cracks or destruction or breakage of some collectibles is the Akkad Museum, which was established 44 years ago and includes 2,800 artifacts from prehistoric to modern times, as well as the Pasha Palace Museum, was built in the Mamluk era and was transformed to a museum in 2010, it was subjected to damage that required urgent intervention.

Archaeological Mosques

Al-Sayyid Hashem Mosque, which is the mosque that was built over the tomb of the Prophet’s grandfather; Hashem bin Abd Manaf. It was destroyed in World War I in 1917, and was rebuilt again, but the continuous bombing around it led to some of its walls cracking, and the same was true for the Sheikh Zakaria Mosque in the Daraj, which was established in the fifth century AH/11th century AD.

The Al-Shamaa Mosque in the Al-Najjarin neighborhood, the Sheikh Abdullah Mosque, which is an old mosque in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood, where Sheikh Abdullah Al-Aybak is buried, who was one of the Mamluks of the Mamluk Sultan Izz Al-Din Aybak, and the Ibn Othman Mosque, which was built in the eighth century AH, were not spared from destruction due to the of the Israelis aggression.

The Great Mosque of Gaza, also known as the Great Omari Mosque, is the largest and oldest mosque in Gaza Strip. The site was originally the site of an ancient Palestinian temple that was later used by the Byzantines to erect a church in the 5th century AD. After the Islamic conquest in the seventh century AD, it was converted into a mosque. The mosque was restored and rebuilt several times by the Mamluks and Ottomans, respectively, in the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries AD. This mosque is located in northern Gaza, where the brutal occupation forces are intensifying their aggression, so it is currently not possible to accurately know the degree of destruction that occurred to it.

Ibn Othman Mosque is a historic mosque located in the Shuja’iya neighborhood in Gaza City, and it is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Mamluk architecture in Palestine. The mosque was built during the Mamluk era in the fifteenth century AD by Sheikh Ahmed bin Othman.

The Shrine of Ibrahim Al-Khalil

It is located in the large village of Abasan, and directly to the south of the shrine, there is a floor made of beautiful colored mosaics with drawings that varied between birds, plant leaves, decorative scrolls, writings, and the “Mafruka” swastika decoration. This floor dates back to the year 606 AD.

In addition, there are many ancient mosques that carry many cultural values, such as the Al-Maghribi Mosque and the Al-Makma Al-Bardabek Mosque.

Among the archaeological facilities that were damaged by the Israeli bombing of Gaza is the Sabil of Sultan Abdul Hamid, or what is known as the “Sabil of Al-Rifa’iyya,”. It is one of the oldest monuments known in the Ottoman era, and it is the only remaining Sabil. The Sabil was built in 1570 AD, and is located in Al Wahda Street in the Daraj neighborhood near the Pasha Palace Museum, and to this day it still maintains the old form of its building.

The Port of Anthedon or the archaeological site of Balakhia is an archaeological site located northwest of the ancient city of Gaza in Palestine. The site is a port dating back to the Hellenistic period, which continued to exist until the Byzantine era.

Qaisaria Market

It is located in the Al-Daraj neighborhood and is adjacent to the southern wall of the Grand Al-Omari Mosque. The building of the market dates back to the Mamluk era and consists of a street covered with a pointed vault, and on both sides of this street are small shops covered with intersecting vaults. It is called the Al-Qaysariyya Market or the Gold Market in reference to the gold trade in it.

Barquq Castle

The construction of the castle was completed in the year 789 AH - 1387 AD. It was built in the form of a complete government complex. It is a sturdy fort with high walls. It contains a mosque and a well. An guesthouse was built to receive travelers, and a stable for horses. On the walls of the castle there are four watchtowers and protection towers. A garrison of knights resided in the castle, and until recently, until 1956 AD, most of the castle’s internal buildings were present, but they gradually disappeared, and one of the gates, the minaret, and parts of the castle wall remained a witness to the greatness of this important historical monument.

In conclusion, it can be said that as a result of the continued Zionist aggression against Gaza, it is difficult, or even impossible, to estimate the extent of the destruction that occurred to the Palestinian heritage, especially its architectural heritage.

05 November 2023

The Faculty of Information Technology at Yarmouk University achieved remarkable success in the National Programming Competition for Jordanian Universities (JCPC), organized by the Jordanian Coders Association, and hosted by the University of Applied Sciences, in which more than 75 teams from various Jordanian universities participated. The Faculty students succeeded in achieving two advanced positions in this competition; consequently, these Yarmouk students are approved as qualified to participate in the regional competition for the Arab region in its 26th edition, which will be hosted by the Academy of Marine Sciences in the city of Alexandria in the Arab Republic of Egypt at the end of this month. The competition aims at developing talents and building the programming capabilities of university students around the world by enhancing their creativity, teamwork, and team spirit.

The Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Qasim Al-Radaideh, expressed his pride in the excellent performance of the Faculty students in the competition, stressing that their achievement reflects the continuing successes of Yarmouk University in the field of programming and technology, and its commitment to developing the skills and abilities of students in this field. He stressed also the keenness of the University to support the permanent participation of its students in such competitions and events due to their importance in providing students with experiences and skills required in the labor market. Al-Radaida then mentioned that the Faculty teams had previously won the national competition and got qualified to participate in the Arab competition in 2016 and 2019.

However, Yarmouk teams of programming this year, which are supervised by Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Al-Otoum and Dr. Enas Khashashna, include these students: (The First team: “TheVoid” includes Mahmoud Khaled Al-Araj, Omar Jihad Al-Kurdi, and Abdul Rahman Louay Abu Nabhan) while (The second team: “WhatTheBug” includes Nabil Samir Ismail, Ahmed Nabil Jaber, and Haitham Omar Atallah).

20 November 2023

The Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication at Yarmouk University, Dr. Amjad Al-Qadi, participated in the second edition of the World Media Congress held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the scientific session titled “Artificial Intelligence and Media Transformation: Opportunities and Challenges,” Al-Qadi presented the experience of Yarmouk University represented by the Faculty of Mass Communication in dealing with academic challenges and advancements related to the technological and industrial transformations in media industries. He stressed that media faculties and journalism teaching programs in Jordan understand their responsibilities for involving their current academic programs, teaching staff, and infrastructure into the technical development and rapid transformations witnessed by the press and media industry market, which demands for using artificial intelligence techniques.

In the same session, which was moderated by the former Dean of Mass Communication Faculty in Yarmouk, Professor Khalaf Tahat, the latter indicated that Yarmouk University decided to embed the concepts of digital transformations and artificial intelligence within its elective courses, thus providing the opportunity for every academic program to introduce artificial intelligence applications that suit its educational outcomes. However, the session also included a group of prominent academics and deans from Arab and international universities, including Dr. Hussein Amin from the American University in Cairo, Dr. Abdullah Al-Kindi from Sultan Qaboos University, Dr. Ahmed Al-Zahrani from King Abdulaziz University in Jaddah, Dr. Wei Lu from Zhejiang University of China, and Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori, the Head of the Media Department at the United Arab Emirates University.

Noteworthy here is that the World Media Congress titled “Shaping the Future of Media” included an exhibition in which the most prominent international and local brands revealed the latest technologies, products, and services in the media sector. The conference also hosted international media pioneers discussing the latest topics and trends in the sector. On the sidelines of the conference, sessions were held covering various topics of the press, radio, television, the Internet and social media, which makes the Congress an excellent opportunity for media professionals to learn about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.

20 November 2023

During his meeting with the Director of the Global Engagement Office at the Canadian University of Alberta, Dan Fredrick, the President of Yarmouk University, Professor Islam Massad, stressed the importance of strengthening academic and research cooperation between the two universities in a way that serves the educational process on both sides. He emphasized the importance of student exchange programs between universities in various countries of the world as this provides students with knowledge and experience in their field of specialization, expands their awareness, and introduces them to different cultures. Massad also pointed out the importance of consolidating the cooperation with the Canadian University of Alberta, one of the best five universities in Canada, through renewing the memorandum of understanding concluded between the two universities. He also indicated the readiness of the Language Center at Yarmouk to prepare an integrated program to teach the Arabic language for non-native speakers coming from the University of Alberta and other Canadian universities as well as those coming from Canadian schools.

In return, Fredrick affirmed the readiness of Canadian Alberta to consolidate cooperation with Yarmouk University in areas that would support the educational and research process in both universities, praising the distinguished academic level of Yarmouk students studying in Canadian Alberta and calling for building bridges of permanent communication between these students and their supervisors. He then reviewed the history of the University of Alberta, stating that it is one of the most important public universities in Canada at the academic and research level and is distinguished by its international reputation in the field of humanities, information technology, computer science, engineering, and health sciences.

02 November 2023