Université PSL is continuing its commitment and launching a new solidarity fund for communities affected by the conflict in the Middle East
Building on the efforts undertaken since the conflict in Ukraine and subsequently in Gaza, and in accordance with the principles of neutrality, independence and academic freedom that guide its work, the University is establishing a new solidarity fund for Lebanese, Iranian and Palestinian students, academic staff and other members of staff. This fund, designed to complement national, European and voluntary sector schemes, aims to address immediate and practical needs: ensuring students can continue their studies, helping them settle into university life, and providing support for basic necessities.
The International Solidarity Fund
Established jointly by PSL University in collaboration with its constituent institutions, this fund supports the efforts made by each of its constituent bodies and reaffirms the university’s commitment to ensuring access to higher education that is safe, inclusive and sustainable.
It forms part of a strategy of academic and social support: securing students’ academic pathways, ensuring the continuity of their studies, supporting their integration into campus life and meeting their basic needs, where relevant. Committed to efficiency, PSL University and its member institutions carry out their work in line with their respective mandates and coordinate their humanitarian efforts with frontline organisations (ministries, NGOs, etc.).
When the war in Ukraine broke out in 2022, a fund was set up to support Ukrainian refugee students and students from other affected countries. In 2024, a solidarity fund was launched in response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. It enabled around ten students to be welcomed into the constituent institutions and provided support to the successful applicants of the PAUSE programme.
This new fund builds on this work and will help to fund student grants as well as support for scientists and artists affected by the ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Iran.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflicts that are directly affecting higher education institutions, the heads of institutions at PSL University wish to emphasise the moral imperative to protect civilian populations – including students, teaching staff and researchers – as well as educational and research facilities, which must remain spaces free from all forms of violence.
