Joining NorPal: Rose Martin, who has herself lived and conducted research in Palestine, is pleased that Nord University is now joining NorPal. The photo is from 2013, taken while Rose Martin was living in Palestine, and shows her by the apartheid wall in Bethlehem. Photo: Photography by ASH.
War and destruction have left deep scars in Palestine and Gaza. Universities lie in ruins, many students and staff have been killed, and large parts of the education system are out of operation. The UN has declared education a human right, but for Palestinian youth, this right is now severely threatened.
The Norwegian Consortium for Palestinian Higher Education (NorPal) was established in May 2025. Its goal is to unite Norwegian universities and colleges in a joint effort to contribute to reconstruction and future development. The work will be carried out in close dialogue with Norwegian authorities and support agencies, focusing on mobility for students and staff, joint research projects, and support for institutions that have lost their income.
“The situation in Gaza is terrible, and the human suffering is extreme. At least 900 students and 300 university staff have been killed. Buildings, equipment, and technology have been wiped out,” said Monica Rolfsen, pro-rector at NTNU and chair of NorPal, when the network was established in May this year.
Nord University is represented in the NorPal board by Dean Rose Martin from the Faculty of Education and Arts. She has many years of experience in Palestine and surrounding areas, both as a researcher and fieldworker.
“The situation in Palestine and Gaza is critical, also in terms of education and research. All universities in Gaza are either destroyed or out of operation,” says Martin.
She points out that current opportunities for education are extremely limited.
“It’s almost only possible to study online. Some students are still trying to take exams, but they need help. NorPal can contribute both now and in the future.”
The situation in Palestine and Gaza is critical, also in terms of education and research. All universities in Gaza are either destroyed or out of operation.
Rose Martin
For Martin, it’s also about long-term thinking.
The work in NorPal is led by the Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH). Leader Selma Bratberg believes the initiative shows that academia can play an important role.
“Education is a human right and the most important tool for liberation. When educational institutions are bombed, students are killed, and academic freedom is suppressed, the international community must respond. This response should be coordinated. NorPal shows that Norwegian universities and colleges are willing to take responsibility,” she says.
NorPal shows that Norwegian universities are willing to take responsibility.
Selma Bratberg, SAIH
Facts: NorPal – Norwegian Consortium for Palestinian Higher Education
- Established in May 2025
- Purpose: To unite Norwegian universities in supporting the reconstruction and development of Palestinian higher education and research
- Coordination: Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH)
- Member Institutions: Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Østfold University College, Oslo National Academy of the Arts, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norwegian Academy of Music, Norwegian Student Organisation, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), SAIH, University of Oslo, University of Stavanger, University of South-Eastern Norway, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, VID Specialised University, and Nord University.
Facts: NorPal – Norwegian Consortium for Palestinian Higher Education
- Established in May 2025
- Purpose: To unite Norwegian universities in supporting the reconstruction and development of Palestinian higher education and research
- Coordination: Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH)
- Member Institutions: Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Østfold University College, Oslo National Academy of the Arts, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norwegian Academy of Music, Norwegian Student Organisation, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), SAIH, University of Oslo, University of Stavanger, University of South-Eastern Norway, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, VID Specialised University, and Nord University.
