Under the patronage of Prof.  Mahmoud Abu Muwais, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Al-Quds Open University (QOU)concluded the joint project “Developing a PHD Program and Promoting Scientific Research in Computer Science” with Georgia State University, with support from the US Office of Palestinian Affairs. During the same event, QOU officially announced the launch of the joint Doctorate program in “Computer Science” with Georgia State University.

Dr. Muammar Ishteiwi, Head of the Accreditation, Quality, and Specificity Department of Higher Education Institutions, in the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research's thanked QOU for this partnership, which "reflects openness to keep pace with everything new, and has its impact on the educational process, innovation, and scientific research."

The President of Al-Quds Open University, Prof Samir Najdi, expressed his happiness with this achievement, thanking the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, headed by His Excellency Minister Prof. Mahmoud Abu Muwais, for their cooperation and keenness to raise the level of higher education in Palestine. He considered that "the doctoral program in computer science with Georgia State University represents a milestone in Al-Quds Open University's journey to advance education, knowledge and innovation. The program provides an opportunity to enhance academic excellence because it represents an important step in building a strong academic network and establishing international partnerships."

Public Affairs Counselor Carissa Gonzalez said, “Today’s celebration reflects the fruits of a three-year journey culminating in a groundbreaking partnership that will generate valuable new academic research and new cohorts of talented Palestinian graduates in a key field that will be central to the long-term prosperity of Palestinian society.”

Prof. Raj Sundararaman, a professor of computer science at Georgia State University, expressed his happiness with the partnership with QOU. He thanked both the staff of QOU and the partner institutions for their efforts to achieve the program and begin to receive the first batch of its students,”

The project's director, Dr. Nael Abu Al-Halawa, spoke about the project's most significant phases over the past three years, which resulted in the launch of the program hoping that it will and achieve the goals of sustainable development facing all the challenges that the Palestinian society is exposed to."

This program is a first of its kind in Palestine in its field. Its objectives include promoting joint research between QOU and Georgia State University. It aims to enhance knowledge and skills in an increasingly globalized world, and enhancing the capacity of university faculty members by providing them with training from Georgia State. The program's goals are in line with the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education's plan to advance scientific research, and it will award graduates with two degrees from the University of Georgia State and QOU, respectively.