Conferences & Events
Wesam Amer Participates in NEU International Conference on Education, War, and Global Solidarity
Mohammedwesam Amer Participates in NEU International Conference on Education, War, and Global Solidarity
Dr Mohammedwesam Amer participated as a featured speaker at the National Education Union (NEU) Annual International Conference, which brought together more than 180 educators, trade union representatives, and international partners under the theme "Books Not Bombs." The conference provided a platform for discussing the impact of war, militarisation, and political instability on education systems worldwide, while reaffirming the importance of international solidarity in protecting the right to education.
During the conference, Dr Amer contributed to discussions on the state of education in Palestine and the challenges faced by students, teachers, and educational institutions operating under conditions of conflict and uncertainty. His participation formed part of a broader programme that examined the consequences of war on education and explored strategies for safeguarding learning opportunities in affected communities. The event also marked the launch of the report The Security We Choose, which explores the implications of increasing defence spending for education, public services, and international development. Discussions throughout the day focused on questions of security, public investment, and the social costs of militarisation, with participants examining whether growing military expenditure comes at the expense of essential public services, including education. A particularly significant moment was the closing panel featuring education trade union leaders from Palestine, Lebanon, and Ukraine, who shared first-hand experiences of defending education in contexts affected by war, occupation, and armed conflict. As a Palestinian scholar and researcher, Dr Amer highlighted the importance of international engagement with the realities facing Palestinian education and the need to ensure that the protection of schools, universities, and learners remains a global priority. The conference brought together a diverse group of academics, educators, activists, and policy advocates committed to strengthening international cooperation and advancing education as a fundamental human right. Dr Amer's participation contributed to ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the challenges confronting education in conflict-affected societies and to promote dialogue on building more just, peaceful, and resilient futures.
