Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem inaugurated the First Architecture Conference on Thursday, 27 November 2025, in cooperation with the Engineering Association – Jerusalem Center, with the presence of high-level official and academic figures, and with wide participation from national institutions, unions, and Palestinian universities.
The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture Mr. Jad Al-Ghazzawi, Director of the Ministry of Local Government Mr. Suleiman Abu Mufrah, Director of the Bethlehem Governorate Mr. Fouad Salem, the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works & Housing Eng. Zouqan Al-Attaouna, the Mayor of Al-Khader, the Deputy Mayor of Bethlehem, and the Engineering Association President Eng. Tareq Al-Zero. Representatives from the Contractors Union, the Centre for Cultural Heritage, the Engineers Association, and a large number of engineering firms also participated, along with active engagement from academics, speakers, union leaders, and university representatives.
Dr. Nuha Khoury, Academic Vice President at Dar al-Kalima University, delivered a welcoming speech in which she emphasized the importance of this event in strengthening the national dialogue on the future of Palestinian architecture. The opening session was chaired by Dr. Ihab Bsiso, Chair of the Conference Preparatory Committee, who stressed that the conference serves as a national platform to examine the reality of Palestinian architecture in the context of genocide and colonial policies. The opening also included a speech by the Engineering Association President Eng. Tareq Al-Zero, followed by an honorary address by the Secretary-General of the Arab Engineers Union, Eng. Adel Al-Hadidi, after which H.E. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Mr. Hani Al-Hayek continued the honorary remarks. A panel discussion followed, featuring undersecretaries from the Ministries of Local Government and Public Works & Housing, moderated by Dr. Ihab Bsiso.
Conference Aims
The conference aims to:
- Open an in-depth discussion on the state of Palestinian architecture amid current political and social circumstances.
- Strengthen the role of scientific research and architectural studies in safeguarding Palestinian spatial and heritage identity.
- Exchange expertise and research among engineers, academics, and specialists from various Palestinian universities.
- Propose future strategic visions that contribute to developing urban planning and promoting resilient construction.
- Support reconstruction and restoration efforts in affected areas, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
Following the conference, a dinner was held at Dar al-Kalima University's restaurant (Al-Alieh), where Food and Beverage Management students cooked and prepared the dishes under the supervision of Chef Bassam Hazboun.
The conference will continue on Friday and Saturday, 28–29 November 2025, with a rich program. Details will be shared in upcoming posts.
