On Wednesday, the first-ever Sharjah Human Development forum commenced at Al-Razi Hall, University of Sharjah, under the powerful theme "Humanity and Heritage in Palestine." The event was graced by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah; Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Development Council; and Her Highness Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Art Foundation.

The opening ceremony began with the UAE’s national anthem, followed by a speech from H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi who expressed his profound delight in participating in a forum that embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, where humans stand at the heart of every project and initiative.

H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi extended his appreciation to H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohamemed Al Qasimi and her affiliated institutions for involving the University of Sharjah in promoting the noble mission of the forum. He highlighted the vital role educational institutions play in humanitarian and developmental work, acting as crucial sources of knowledge that translate values into meaningful programs and research into practical and meaningful solutions meanwhile contributing to overcoming the challenges that human communities and states face.

H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi informed the audience that the theme of this maiden edition, "Human and Heritage in Palestine," reflects the University’s roadmap toward achieving the forum’s mission. He also asserted that the legacy of the peoples of the world is not mere history or artifacts confined to museums; it is a living system of values, knowledge, and creativity that deserves to be taught, documented, and kept alive in the hearts and minds of the new generations. Accordingly, at the University of Sharjah, colleges and research centers will support academic programs and research projects dedicated to preserving Palestinian heritage in its material and intangible forms from arts and crafts to architectural, environmental, and social legacies. The University will also encourage field studies, student projects, and provide venues for seminars, conferences, cultural exhibitions, and academic dialogue to raise awareness of Palestine’s history and present its narrative to the world from a humanistic and civilizational perspective.

Concluding his address, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi praised Sharjah’s ongoing initiatives that serve the Arab people wherever they may be, and emphasized the crucial role played by students, whom he regarded as integral to this noble approach. He expressed confidence in their ability to realize the forum’s goals through their innovative ideas and creativity, which reflect the University’s vision of investing knowledge for human growth and community development.

In her keynote address, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi celebrated the University of Sharjah as a great academic institution founded by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah. She described it as a beacon of knowledge where dreams are forged, and values of learning take root in every young mind. She praised H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi’s leadership for leading the University's journey to excellence and enhancing its involvement in her institutions’ humanitarian initiatives.

Addressing the students directly, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher remarked on the unprecedented pace of global change, with new opportunities, challenges, and scientific advancements emerging daily. Yet, in the shadow of all these rapid changes, one question will always remain crucial to any endeavor: “why invest in human beings?” She answered that “Arab youth are the seedlings of new ideas, while the Arab homeland remains the source of civilization. Investing in the Arab youth, therefore, means investing in the nation and its heritage.”

Her Highness challenged students to reflect on their allegiance and loyalty to their homelands and communities, urging each to turn this sense of belonging into a legacy of generosity that lights the path for future generations. “The world needs your intellect and hearts, and it needs those of us who blend knowledge with compassion, ambition with humility, and dreams with action. Humanity must underpin every endeavor,” she wisely explained.

Directing her speech at the attendees, she told them that they inherit a magnificent Arab-Islamic civilization, a source of pride that has been shaped by the steadfastness and faith of their ancestors. She encouraged them to protect the authenticity and vibrancy of their heritage against attempts to distort or belittle it. They are the heirs of glorious past who shall revive their ancestors’ glory and write new chapters in the story of civilization. She added that these were the ideas that informed the main objectives of the Sharjah Human Development Forum and that this year’s theme honors the Palestinian people who face relentless attempts to erase their identity and heritage. She emphasized that “true belonging transcends geographic boundaries; it is a commitment to enduring values, ideas, and roots stretching across time.”

She also announced the establishment of the Jawaher Al Qasimi Chair for Palestinian Studies, declaring that in the face of mounting humanitarian tragedies in Palestine, and the devastation witnessed in Gaza and the West Bank, along with the rising numbers of refugees and displaced people around the world, it has become a moral duty to preserve the Palestinian human legacy. She said the initiative seeks to rekindle awareness and understanding of this shared heritage, emphasizing the role of academia in protecting collective memory and educating future generations.

Her Highness said the creation of the Chair for Palestinian Studies at the University of Sharjah marks the first step toward establishing a permanent center dedicated to Palestinian scholarship. The center will safeguard the historical narrative, foster research, and nurture generations of students who recognize the enduring truth of history. Addressing students directly, she entrusted them with the task of using their knowledge and the power of their voices to document, preserve, and share Palestinian studies with the world.

She also announced the launch of the “Palestine Heritage Fund,” an initiative aimed at protecting both tangible and intangible aspects of Palestinian heritage through partnerships between the University of Sharjah and Palestinian and international institutions. Describing it as “an investment in humanity,” she said Palestine is not merely a land but a living memory, a continuous struggle, and an identity that endures through adversity. The fund will also provide scholarships for Palestinian students at the University of Sharjah, especially those displaced from Gaza whose universities have been destroyed, enabling them to continue their education and rebuild their futures in Sharjah.

Concluding her remarks, Her Highness reflected on the deep bond between the UAE and Palestine, affirming that Palestine has never been absent from the conscience of the UAE’s leadership and people, and never will be. What is being announced today, she noted, extends a long-standing national commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, a mission sustained for more than four decades through the country’s humanitarian and community institutions under the umbrella of the Sharjah Family and Community Council. She said that humanity has always guided Sharjah’s initiatives, and with the presence of those gathered, she sees them as partners in a shared human endeavor: “Because we support our fellow humans wherever they may be.”

The Jawaher Al Qasimi Chair for Palestinian Studies at the University of Sharjah represents a groundbreaking academic and humanitarian initiative dedicated to advancing research focused on Palestine. It will fund scholarly projects that preserve the cultural identity and both the tangible and intangible heritage of the Palestinian people. The chair also paves the way for the establishment of the Jawaher Al Qasimi Center for Palestinian Studies at the University of Sharjah, which will become a regional hub for Palestinian culture and a repository of its enduring legacy.

The forum featured a keynote panel titled "People and Heritage in Palestine," moderated by Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and advisory board member of the Big Heart Foundation. Experts including Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, Director of Conflict Medicine Program at the Institute of Global Health, engineer Shatha Safi, Director of the Riwaq Center for Palestinian Architectural Heritage, and Dr. Reem Al-Mutawalli, Art and Heritage Consultant at the “Zee” Initiative, discussed the ongoing challenges facing Palestinian heritage preservation.

Dr. Abu Sitta described how war aims to destroy the present to change the future, while genocide aims to obliterate the present and past to prevent any future. He highlighted the devastating effects on children’s physical, psychological, social, cognitive, and existential wellbeing, alongside destruction of historical sites and academic institutions.

Engineer Shatha Safi shared insights on Riwaq Center’s work since its founding in 1991, documenting over 50,000 historic sites. She stressed cultural heritage as a foundation for planning and decision-making and expressed urgent concern over the targeting of Gaza’s architectural landmarks requiring immediate protection.

Presenting the Zay (traditional Dress) Initiative, Dr. Reem Al-Mutwalli noted parallels between the challenges faced by the broader Arab world and Palestine, where heritage faces ongoing threats. She emphasized the role of traditional clothing in conveying inherited cultural identity and the silent guardianship of women in preserving these traditions. Dr. Al-Mutwalli added that the Zay initiative offers a fresh approach by combining tangible elements with deeply felt cultural memories; fashion reveals what has been inherited from mothers to children, including many intricate details and knowledge such as the symbolism of the color red, and the meaning behind threads and stitches. “Women,” she stressed, “are the silent guardians of cultural heritage, quietly protecting and passing down the stories woven into every garment. This initiative is more than a celebration of traditional dress; it is a vital act of preserving identity and history through the fabric of everyday life, highlighting the quiet strength of women in safeguarding a rich cultural legacy.

” His Highness the President of the University of Sharjah and Her Highness the Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council witnessed the signing of a tripartite cooperation agreement to establish the Jawaher Al Qasimi Chair for Palestinian Studies. The agreement was concluded between NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, represented by Maryam Mohammed Al Hammadi, Director General; The Big Heart Foundation, represented by Alia Al Mazyad, Director of the Foundation; and the University of Sharjah, represented by H.E. Prof. Esameldin Agamy, University Chancellor.

The agreement aims to support specialized scientific research and innovation in the humanities to preserve Palestinian identity, heritage, and culture, thereby ensuring their authentic presence in academic and scientific forums. The Chair will further promote interdisciplinary collaboration and provide academic opportunities for Palestinian students, researchers, and experts. Under the agreement, the parties will fund joint research projects and scholarly activities, establish the Jawaher Al Qasimi Center for Palestinian Studies at the University’s Research Institute of Humanities and Social Studies, and create the Palestinian Heritage Fund to offer scholarships for Palestinian students and support future research centers.The partnership also includes academic exchange programs, engagement of international experts, and training opportunities for students. Through these initiatives, the collaboration seeks to generate impactful research and projects documenting human experiences and strengthening the presence of Palestinian studies in regional and international academic circles.

The forum witnessed the presentation of donations to the "Palestinian Heritage Fund." Contributions came from Badr Jafar, a member of the advisory board of the Big Heart Foundation, the Sharjah Charity Association, the AFCO Group, and FAST Company. These donations underscore a committed and practical support for advancing knowledge, education, and the preservation of Palestinian heritage. This initiative reflects a unified effort to safeguard cultural identity and promote sustainable development through education and heritage conservation.

The forum also showcased two video presentations: one highlighting Sheikha Jawaher’s humanitarian efforts supporting refugees and improving lives globally, and another introducing the future Jawaher Center for Palestinian Studies, envisioning it as a hub of culture, research, and education.

Complementing these activities, attendees explored the art exhibition “I Once Had a Day That Was Meant to Be,” featuring works by seven artists depicting Palestinian exile, resistance, and memory through diverse artistic media. The exhibit dialogues visually across time, portraying land as living witness and memory, inspired notably by a Mahmoud Darwish poem.

The Sharjah Forum for Investment in Human Capital aims to spur strategic thinking in humanitarian work as a foundation for building resilient and capable societies. It focuses on women’s empowerment, knowledge exchange from field experience to dialogue, and bridging initiatives with knowledge-building to develop human development practices regionally and globally.

Among the prominent attendees were Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Charity Council; Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Businesswomen Council; Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Quarter Century Foundation for Leadership and Innovation; Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation; senior officials, supporting entities, and University of Sharjah students.

This landmark event not only reflects Sharjah’s leadership in humanitarian and cultural spheres but also reinforces the potent synergy between education, heritage preservation, and human development in the Arab world and beyond.