Developing human capital and building a professional community are central to advancing environmental leadership in Arab society. A recent conference brought together Arab students from three environmental studies programmes (offered by the University of Haifa, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev), to strengthen collaboration and expand professional networks.
Operating as a joint initiative across the three universities, the programmes support approximately 75–80 students over a three-year period. They combine academic research with hands-on experience in local authorities, environmental and civil society organisations, alongside personalized mentoring. The programmes are led by Professor Mashor Housh, Dr Maisa Totry and Professor Muhammad Bashouti.
The conference marked the completion of the first cohort at the University of Haifa and the forthcoming launch of its third cohort, underscoring the importance of investing in a new generation of professionals who will advance environmental knowledge, employment and activity in Arab society.