International Partnerships and Cooperation Agreements of Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa Organization From Cooperation to Partnership… From Partnership to Impact Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa International Organization – Denmark

Introduction

Since its establishment, Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa has made institutional partnerships an essential part of its mission, based on the belief that culture does not flourish in isolation and that cooperation between institutions can transform ideas into projects and projects into sustainable impact.

Throughout its journey, Hamsaat has undergone an important institutional development. In its early years, it operated as Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa Association – Denmark, before expanding its international activities and operating as Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa International Organization – Denmark.

Accordingly, this record reflects the institutional status under which each agreement was concluded and does not retrospectively apply the current organizational name to earlier agreements.

Hamsaat’s partnerships have extended across:

• Universities and academic institutions.
• Cultural institutions.
• Arab and regional organizations.
• Women’s organizations and empowerment institutions.
• Humanitarian and health institutions.
• International and community organizations.

Its network has extended from Palestine to Europe, from the Arab world to India, and from academic institutions to humanitarian action.

First: International German Cultural Center

Partnership and Twinning – 2016

In November 2016, a partnership and twinning agreement was established between the International German Cultural Center and Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa Association – Denmark.

This partnership was established at an early stage of Hamsaat’s history and reflected the Association’s commitment to cultural cooperation, youth development, and building relationships that transcend borders.

It represents one of the early milestones in Hamsaat’s transition from cultural activities to institutional cooperation.

Second: Al-Quds Open University – Palestine

Cooperation and Partnership Agreement – 2016

On December 14, 2016, Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa Association – Denmark signed a cooperation and partnership agreement with Al-Quds Open University at the university’s headquarters in Ramallah.

The agreement covered cooperation in supporting talented students, student exchange, cultural, educational, and social activities, training programs, joint publications, and the use of university facilities and branches for joint activities.

In 2017, the university received a copy of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ certification of the agreement, giving the partnership an additional institutional dimension.

The agreement subsequently developed into joint cultural and heritage activities and became one of the most significant early partnerships in Hamsaat’s history.

Third: Arab Organization for Training and Human Resources Development – Cairo

Cooperation and Partnership Agreement – 2017

In January 2017, Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa Association signed a cooperation agreement with the Arab Organization for Training and Human Resources Development in Cairo, headed by Dr. Souad Bati.

The agreement addressed training, human resources development, Arab and international student exchange, knowledge promotion, and programs related to administration, excellence, and quality.

It represented an early step in connecting cultural work with training and capacity building.

Fourth: European Romanian-Arab Cultural Center – Romania

Cooperation and Partnership Agreement – 2017

On February 22, 2017, Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa Association signed a cooperation and partnership agreement with the European Romanian-Arab Cultural Center (CCERPA) in Romania.

The agreement covered cultural cooperation, promotion of programs and activities, and implementation of joint projects.

It establishes that Hamsaat’s institutional relationship with Romania dates back to 2017, several years before the Jerusalem Cultural Caravan reached Bucharest.

Fifth: University of Manchester – United Kingdom

Cooperation and Partnership Agreement – 2017

In May 2017, Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa Association signed a cooperation and partnership agreement with the University of Manchester.

The cooperation focused particularly on supporting Palestinian students and helping them pursue higher education, while also encouraging cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and student cooperation.

The areas of cooperation included educational support and efforts to reduce tuition fees and provide exemptions for some students.

Thus, supporting Palestinian students emerged early as one of the practical dimensions of Hamsaat’s mission.

Sixth: Al-Quds University – Abu Dis

An Academic and Cultural Partnership that Established the Jerusalem Cultural Caravan

Al-Quds University – Abu Dis holds a special place in Hamsaat’s history.

Following communication, coordination, and academic cooperation with the university, the partnership became connected with the launch of the Jerusalem Cultural Caravan’s first conference from the university campus in 2018.

The value of this partnership lies in the transition:

from academic understanding
to institutional cooperation
to an international cultural project.

The Jerusalem Cultural Caravan subsequently became one of the distinctive expressions of Hamsaat’s international cultural presence.

Seventh: Sand International Organization

Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation – 2018

In 2018, Hamsaat entered into a memorandum of understanding and cooperation with Sand International Organization.

The cooperation focused on joint activities and projects in Jerusalem and internationally, with coordinated mechanisms for implementation and cooperation between the two organizations.

This agreement added an important institutional dimension to Hamsaat’s network of relationships connected with Jerusalem and international cultural work.

Eighth: eCampus University – Italy

Cooperation Agreement – Milan

On the sidelines of an international conference in Milan, Hamsaat signed a cooperation agreement with eCampus University in Italy.

The agreement formed part of Hamsaat’s efforts to build academic and cultural bridges with European institutions and to connect international conferences with sustainable institutional cooperation.

It represents an important milestone in the expansion of Hamsaat’s European academic network.

Ninth: UAE Businesswomen Council – Dubai

Memorandum of Understanding in Dubai, Followed by a Cooperation Agreement at the Danish Parliament – 2019

This partnership is one of the most significant partnerships connected with Hamsaat’s Women and Civilizations Dialogue initiative.

First Stage – Dubai

On September 25, 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation was signed between Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa International Organization – Denmark and the UAE Businesswomen Council at the Council’s headquarters in Dubai.

The cooperation covered conferences, scientific research, training, culture, development, women’s empowerment, exchange of expertise, and joint projects.

Second Stage – The Danish Parliament

The partnership was subsequently strengthened in November 2019 when a formal cooperation agreement was signed at the Danish Parliament on the sidelines of the Conference on Arab and Western Women and the Dialogue of Civilizations.

The agreement was concluded between Hamsaat, represented by Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria, and the UAE Businesswomen Council, represented by Ms. Farida Al Awadhi.

Thus, the relationship was not a single agreement, but an institutional partnership that developed:

from a memorandum of understanding in Dubai
to a formal cooperation agreement at the Danish Parliament.

This progression reflects the continuity and seriousness of the partnership.

Tenth: Doli Net Foundation

Cooperation and Understanding Agreement – 2020

In 2020, Hamsaat entered into a cooperation and understanding agreement with Doli Net Foundation to implement meaningful cultural projects serving different segments of society.

This cooperation reflected Hamsaat’s broader approach to using media and culture as tools for social communication and positive impact.

Eleventh: World Association for Creativity and Humanities

Memorandum of Understanding – 2020

Hamsaat signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Association for Creativity and Humanities to cooperate in activities and programs serving Arab and international communities.

The memorandum represented an extension of Hamsaat’s interest in creativity, humanities, and collaborative cultural work.

Twelfth: Tunisian Red Crescent – Halq El Wadi Branch

Cooperation Agreement – Tunisia, 2020

In March 2020, Hamsaat signed a cooperation agreement with the Tunisian Red Crescent – Halq El Wadi Branch.

This agreement demonstrates the expansion of Hamsaat’s network beyond universities and cultural institutions to include humanitarian and community organizations.

Thirteenth: Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization – ALECSO

Official Electronic Cooperation Agreement Signed by Both Parties

The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) represents one of the most significant Arab institutional partnerships in Hamsaat’s history.

An official electronic cooperation agreement, signed by both parties, was concluded between the two organizations.

According to the arrangement between the parties, the agreement was not publicly announced at that time, as the Director-General of ALECSO requested that its official public announcement and ceremonial signing take place on the sidelines of the Geneva Conference.

Accordingly, this record distinguishes between:

the date of the electronic signing

and

the date of the official public announcement and signing in Geneva.

Fourteenth: African-Arab Cultural Institute

Cooperation Agreement – Tunisia, 2022

Hamsaat signed a cooperation agreement with the African-Arab Cultural Institute on the sidelines of Arab-African cooperation activities held at the headquarters of ALECSO in Tunis in March 2022.

The agreement reflects Hamsaat’s commitment to building bridges between Arab culture and the African space in scientific, cultural, and developmental fields.

Fifteenth: Women’s College for Advanced Studies in Arabic – Kerala

Cooperation and Understanding Agreement – 2022

Following the Second Arabic Language Conference in Kerala in 2022, Hamsaat signed a cooperation and understanding agreement with the Women’s College for Advanced Studies in Arabic.

The agreement forms part of Hamsaat’s academic expansion in India, particularly in Arabic language education, research, and international conferences.

Sixteenth: Emergenza Sorrisi – Italy

Humanitarian Cooperation Protocol – 2022, Renewed in 2023

Hamsaat signed a cooperation and understanding protocol with the Italian organization Emergenza Sorrisi to implement the project:

“Bringing Back Smiles to the Faces of Palestinian Children.”

The project was connected with providing medical assistance to Palestinian children in cooperation with the relevant Palestinian health authorities.

The cooperation was renewed in 2023 to continue the project.

This partnership is one of the clearest examples of international cooperation being transformed into practical humanitarian action.

Seventeenth: Palestinian Ministry of Health

Institutional Cooperation in Health and Humanitarian Work

With the beginning of the humanitarian work associated with the project “Bringing Back Smiles to the Faces of Palestinian Children,” Hamsaat established institutional cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The cooperation was connected with coordinating and implementing the medical mission and following up on the work with the Italian medical delegation and the relevant Palestinian authorities.

This partnership demonstrates the transition from a cultural initiative to organized health and humanitarian cooperation.

Eighteenth: International Arab Institute for Peace and Education – Geneva

Electronic Cooperation Agreement

Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa International Organization signed an electronic cooperation agreement with the International Arab Institute for Peace and Education – Geneva, Switzerland, signed electronically by both parties.

The partnership falls within Hamsaat’s interest in peace, education, dialogue, and international cooperation.

Nineteenth: Iraqi Businesswomen Council

Cooperation Agreement – London, 2023

This partnership represents another important dimension of Hamsaat’s work with Arab women’s business institutions.

In London, on August 22–23, 2023, during the Fifth Conference on Women and the Dialogue of Civilizations, a cooperation agreement was signed between Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa International Organization – Denmark and the Iraqi Businesswomen Council.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Hamsaat by Engineer Abdul Hafiz Ighbaria, and on behalf of the Council by Dr. Sabah Al-Tamimi, President of the Council.

The agreement is particularly significant because it was concluded on the sidelines of the Women and Civilizations Dialogue Conference in London, demonstrating Hamsaat’s ability to transform international conferences into sustainable institutional partnerships.

Twentieth: University of Calicut – India

Academic and Cultural Cooperation Agreement – 2024

Hamsaat signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Calicut in the fields of Arabic language, training, studies, research, exchange of expertise, and scientific and cultural activities.

The partnership has become one of the principal foundations of academic cooperation between Hamsaat and educational institutions in Kerala.

Twenty-First: Farook College – Kerala

Memorandum of Understanding – 2024

Hamsaat signed a memorandum of understanding with Farook College – Kerala to cooperate in workshops, seminars, conferences, and joint academic and cultural activities.

The memorandum forms part of Hamsaat’s expanding academic network in India.

Twenty-Second: Al-Ayoon College – Kerala

Cultural and Academic Cooperation Agreement – 2025

Hamsaat signed a cultural and academic cooperation agreement with Al-Ayoon College – Kerala in the fields of Arabic language education, training, translation, conferences, and educational projects.

The agreement confirms the continued expansion of Hamsaat’s academic network in India.

Twenty-Third: Women’s Partnerships and Empowerment

Women’s empowerment has emerged as an institutional dimension of Hamsaat’s partnership network rather than merely a theme addressed through conferences.

Among its most significant milestones are:

🇦🇪 UAE Businesswomen Council

Dubai 2019 → Memorandum of Understanding

followed by

Danish Parliament 2019 → Formal Cooperation Agreement

on the sidelines of the Conference on Arab and Western Women and the Dialogue of Civilizations.

🇮🇶 Iraqi Businesswomen Council

London 2023 → Cooperation Agreement

on the sidelines of the Fifth Conference on Women and the Dialogue of Civilizations.

These two partnerships represent a direct extension of Hamsaat’s wider project on Women and the Dialogue of Civilizations.

Twenty-Fourth: What Do These Partnerships Reveal?

When the agreements are viewed chronologically, three clear levels emerge:

Building Relationships

Communication, meetings, and coordination.

Building Partnerships

Agreements, memoranda of understanding, and cooperation protocols.

Building Impact

Conferences, projects, programs, training, research, and humanitarian action.

The value of an agreement at Hamsaat is therefore not measured by the signature alone, but by the opportunities it creates for meaningful cooperation.

Twenty-Fifth: International Geographic Reach

Hamsaat’s institutional network has extended across:

Palestine – United Kingdom – Germany – Romania – Italy – Egypt – Tunisia – Switzerland – United Arab Emirates – Iraq – India – Arab and regional institutions.

This geographic expansion reflects the development of Hamsaat from a cultural association in Denmark into an organization with a broad international network of cooperation.

Twenty-Sixth: From Association to International Organization

The history of these agreements also reflects the institutional development of Hamsaat itself.

The early agreements were signed under the name:

Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa Association – Denmark

As the organization’s activities and international relationships expanded, its work continued under the name:

Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa International Organization – Denmark.

Thus, the partnership record is also a record of institutional development and the expansion of Hamsaat’s international presence.

Conclusion

From Cooperation to Partnership… From Partnership to Impact

The agreements established by Hamsaat have never been merely protocol documents.

They have represented milestones in a long journey of academic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, and in many cases they have developed into conferences, projects, programs, knowledge exchange, and field action.

From Palestine to Europe, from the Arab world to India, and from universities to women’s institutions and humanitarian organizations, Hamsaat has built bridges that transcend borders.

Its experience has demonstrated that:

An agreement is a beginning, not an end.

A partnership is a responsibility, not merely a signature.

Genuine cooperation is what becomes meaningful impact.

Hamsaat therefore summarizes its philosophy of partnership in three words:

We Cooperate… We Build… We Create Impact.

Hamsaat Sama’a Al-Thaqafa

From Cooperation to Partnership… From Partnership to Impact.