BARCELONA, October 19, 2026 (WAFA) – The University of Barcelona in Spain has launched the country’s first academic chair dedicated to Palestinian studies, with the participation of Dr. Sanaa Alsarghali, associate professor of constitutional law and UNESCO Chairholder for Human Rights, Democracy, and Peace at An-Najah National University, and Palestine’s Ambassador to Spain, Fadi al-Husseini.
Launched in cooperation with Fundacions Ferrer, the UB-Fundacions Ferrer Chair for Palestine Studies aims to promote Palestinian studies at European universities and advance interdisciplinary research into Palestine’s history, society, culture, heritage, and political and legal issues.
Dr. Alsarghali stressed the importance of strengthening academic cooperation between Palestinian and European universities, supporting Palestinian scientific research, and raising the international profile of Palestinian knowledge and identity.
She also highlighted the challenges facing Palestinian higher education institutions and the need to support them through international academic initiatives and partnerships.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by University of Barcelona Rector Professor Joan Guàrdia, who underscored the role of universities in promoting knowledge and human rights and expanding academic cooperation with Palestinian institutions.
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