UC Chile Builds and Strengthens Bonds with Middle Eastern Universities
Following a visit to universities in Israel and Palestine for academic enrichment and exchange, UC Chile President Ignacio Sánchez emphasizes the vital role of universities in bridging divides and working together to shape a shared future. In a letter to El Mercurio, he pledges the university's commitment to actively forging connections, learning, drawing from their rich culture, and sharing the valuable experiences of our academic community with these universities. "It's a challenge and a great opportunity."
photo_camera "Universities across all countries play a pivotal role in building bridges, reconciling differences, and fostering collaboration towards a shared future," said UC Chile President Ignacio Sánchez.- Photo: Office of Communications.
"In a globalized world with historical conflicts, irreconcilable differences, and disagreements, universities across all countries play a pivotal role in building bridges, reconciling differences, and fostering collaboration towards a shared future. The accomplishments in our country's history also resonate on the international stage.
This week, I went on an academic trip to visit universities in Israel and Palestine. The primary aim was to enhance our university's student and faculty exchange for teaching and research purposes. In Israel, I was able to visit and get to know the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, renowned as Israel's largest scientific-technological university, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a globally esteemed institution boasting over twenty Nobel Prize laureates across diverse fields and demonstrating exceptional progress in various disciplines. We have established ties with both universities to develop joint projects of mutual benefit, in which we will include other Chilean institutions.
Bethlehem University, in Palestine, where we have already established a student exchange agreement in the nursing field, welcomed us with open arms. Notably, despite being a catholic university of the De La Salle Brothers, 80% of its student population practices the Muslim faith. These students have chosen this institution for its academic excellence and its welcoming university environment. The institution's noteworthy academic contributions to the country's development are evident. Our active participation in its internationalization process will further bolster and amplify its ongoing efforts.
Only the future will reveal how deep the academic exchange between our institution and the universities of both Middle Eastern countries will be. We are committed to actively forging connections, learning, drawing from their rich culture, and sharing the valuable experiences of our academic community with them. It's a challenge and a great opportunity."
