It is with joy and hope that Bethlehem University has announced that Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh, founder and director of the Palestine Museum of Natural History and the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability, has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

This prestigious nomination was made by Mairead Corrigan Maguire, who was rewarded with the 1976 Nobel Peace Prize, “in recognition of Professor Qumsiyeh’s unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence and environmental sustainability over the past five decades”.

In this sense, “Professor Qumsiyeh’s work embodies the mission of Bethlehem University to serve as a beacon of hope in the Holy Land”, as noted by Brother Hernan Santos, Vice Chalcellor of Bethlehem University, underlining that “his dedication to fostering peace and sustainability inspires the global pursuit of human dignity and justice”.

Brother Chris Patiño, General Councillor of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, expressed on behalf of Brother Armin Luistro, Superior General, and the other members of the General Council, the feeling of pride and communion with Bethlehem University “at a time of great upheaval in many parts of the world”, since “this nomination is a source of hope and acknowledges the transformative power education towards a more just and peaceful world”.

Indeed, “the particular work by Professor Qumsiyeh in the areas of environmental conservationism and sustainability reminds us of the inseparable bond between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and peace (cf. Laudato Si’, 10)”. Hence, “his work and witness are invitation to all of us to recommit ourselves to integral ecological conversion as a means to ’embrace a broad understanding that leads to overcoming the limits of the socio-economic and political systems and that address the human roots of the ecological crisis’ (Circular 478, 32)”.

Certainly, “this nomination honours Professor Qumsiyeh’s steadfast commitment, the critical role higher education plays in promoting justice, and highlights the tireless peace efforts many in the Palestinian community continue to make amid much suffering,” states Br Chris Patiño.

Professor Qumsiyeh is a Palestinian scientist, author and educator with an extensive background in Biology and Medical Genetics. He has published over 150 scientific papers and several books on topics ranging from Cultural Heritage to Biodiversity. His commitment to nonviolent resistance and environmental sustainability has been instrumental in advancing peace and education in Palestine.

Under Professor Qumsiyeh’s leadership, the Palestine Museum of Natural History and the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University have become integral components of the University’s commitment to research, education and conservation. Through ground-breaking initiatives, such as the construction of green museum facilities and exhibit halls, these centres are advancing Bethlehem University’s mission to foster environmental awareness, sustainability, and the conservation of Palestine’s natural and cultural heritage.

On the occasion of Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh’s nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, Bethlehem University has launched a global fundraising campaign to support the ongoing educational initiatives and research led by the Palestine Museum of Natural History and the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability. Contributions to the campaign will enable Bethlehem University to expand its impact in Palestine and beyond, fostering peace, sustainability and innovation.

To participate in the campaign and make a donation, Bethlehem University has created a website available at the following link: https://www.bethlehem.edu/pmnh

* Source: Bethlehem University.