Gaza: Under the patronage of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the 11th National Conference of the General Union of Palestinian Students (GUPS) commenced in Beirut, Lebanon. The opening event featured the national anthems of Lebanon and Palestine, followed by a moment of silence to honor Lebanese and Palestinian martyrs.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the conference gathers 250 students from 45 countries, representing different Palestinian factions. Some participants are joining via Zoom, particularly those unable to attend in person due to challenging circumstances in Gaza. GUPS, established in Cairo in 1959, has historically played a significant role in fostering Palestinian leadership, with notable figures like Yasser Arafat and Hanan Ashrawi emerging from its ranks.
The conference agenda includes an evening session to confirm the quorum, approve conference membership, and elect presiding officers. Attendees will engage in sessions to discuss working papers, draft final outputs, review committee reports, and approve amendments to the union's constitution. The event will conclude with the election of a new Administrative Council and Executive Committee, followed by the adoption of a final communiqu© detailing the conference's decisions and recommendations.