Palestine: new project country
In 2024, VLIRUOS decided to add Palestine to the list of project countries. The first five projects will start in September 2025. Palestine was added to the list of project countries at the request of both academics and the Belgian government.
Belgian rectors are calling upon the Belgian government to “act decisively” in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to prepare further action together with other countries. 'Violence and dehumanisation — from whichever side — must be unequivocally condemned.' (De Morgen) In doing so, they are not only expressing their outrage at the genocide, but are also taking concrete action through VLIRUOS. Flemish academics explicitly requested the addition of Palestine to the list of VLIRUOS project countries, inspired by international solidarity and academic commitment. In addition, VLIRUOS is also acting in response to a call from the Belgian government. Palestine has been a partner country of Belgian bilateral development cooperation through Enabel for many years.
In September 2025, five projects were launched, focusing on mental well-being, trauma care, educational reinforcement and public health. The projects will be carried out exclusively with Palestinian universities in the West Bank and Gaza, without the involvement of Israeli institutions. The approach deliberately responds to the needs of Palestinian academics and with human rights as its foundation. At this critical stage, the focus is on pragmatic, quickly implementable actions that maintain personal contacts, provide tangible assistance, and focus on keeping hope alive. At the same time, close coordination with other Flemish and international partners ensures impact and sustainability. Because respect for human rights and democratic values is key in all international cooperation, the projects are screened by the human rights’ committee of the respective Flemish institutions.
Through these actions, Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts are sending a clear signal: in times of war and genocide, they are consciously choosing to cooperate with the Palestinian academic community. The aim of these projects is to strengthen local knowledge and international networks. However, the difficult circumstances mean that results cannot be guaranteed. Palestinian students and researchers are struggling to continue their academic work under inhumane conditions. Flemish academics are trying to assist them in this, through education and research, and by sharing and creating knowledge together. In addition to projects with Palestinian academics, VLIRUOS has awarded extra scholarships to Palestinians to come and study in Belgium. Though, several of them are currently unable to start their studies in Belgium because they are stuck in Gaza. In a world of polarisation, geopolitical tensions and growing mistrust, cross-border cooperation is not easy, but it is necessary. By focusing on human rights, dialogue and knowledge sharing, Flemish higher education institutions fulfil their social and international responsibility, keeping small glimmers of hope alive. The knowledge and experience gained from the various projects with Palestine may also be relevant to other conflict areas. Science brings hope, resilience and recovery.