A day for the reconstruction of Gaza

The Gaza Phoenix Reconstruction Framework is the key document for reconstruction. From Poliba, the launch seminar, dedicated to exploring the technical, infrastructural and economic dimensions of the reconstruction of Gaza. 3:00 p.m., main lecture hall of the ARCOD Department, speeches by the authorities.

15 July 2025

Since October 2023, the war by Israel in Gaza has become one of the most destructive conflicts in the centuries-old war between two peoples. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, infrastructure has been decimated, and basic services have disappeared. More than sixty thousand people have died. The blockade of aid has worsened a humanitarian disaster of historic proportions. There remains a severe shortage of food, water and medicine, with virtually no assistance. According to United Nations estimates, removing the rubble alone could take up to fifteen years.

Reconstruction is not only a moral imperative, it is essential to bring back to life, dignity, and hope more than two million people living in devastation. It requires bold, innovative, radical solutions.

The Gaza Phoenix Reconstruction Framework is the key document for the reconstruction of Gaza. Developed by the Union of Municipalities of the Gaza Strip with the support of a group of experts, it outlines strategic directions for reconstruction.

To advance this work, the Polytechnic University of Bari, which already on 9 June, through the Academic Senate, had approved and shared a Declaration in support of peace and the reconstruction of Gaza, with the support of the Presidency of the Apulia Region, has intended to organize the “Framework Gaza Phoenix” at Poliba. This is a launch seminar, dedicated to exploring the technical, infrastructural and economic dimensions of the reconstruction of Gaza, drawing on global post-war recovery experiences. The seminar will prepare contributions for the first assembly of the international expert community, which will be held in October at the same university. The assembly, in fact, will build on the results of tomorrow's seminar operational guidelines and practical, innovative solutions with the aim of transforming devastation into a dignified and possible recovery for Gaza.

The event is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, 16 July, from 8:30 a.m. at 18,00 at the Dicatech and Arcod Departments of the Polytechnic (university campus).

The seminar will be divided into two parts. The first will take place at the DICATECh Department (8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.). The second will follow. At 3:00 p.m., at the main lecture hall of the ARCOD Department (university campus) a meeting with the authorities and a press briefing with journalists are scheduled.

Participants: Loredana Ficarelli, Deputy Rector of the Polytechnic University of Bari, Michele Emiliano, President of the Apulia Region, Giuseppe Satriano, Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto, Giovanna Iacovone, Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan City of Bari, President of the Order of Engineers, President of the Order of Architects. A delegate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is expected to participate.

Below is the full program of the initiative for peace and reconstruction.

DICATECh DEPARTMENT 

SALA CONSILIARE
PART 1 – 08.30-14.30

8.30-8.45 Opening remarks

Loredana Ficarelli, Vice-Rector, Polytechnic University of Bari

Leonardo Damiani, Director of the DICATECh Department

8.45-9.30 Proposals for reconstruction: The ‘Gaza Phoenix Recovery Framework’ and the General Plan

Chair: Angela Barbanente

Yara Salem The strategic plan ‘The Gaza Phoenix’ (Introduced by: F. Borri)

Maher Salem, Union of Municipalities of Gaza (Introduced by: Y. Salem)

Rasem Badran Dar Al-Omran Riyadh

Alessandra Gola, Insaf Ben Othmane, Gaza Phoenix Team, Collaborative Session on Mapping Expert Communities

9.30-11.00 The Construction of Infrastructure for Essential Social Needs Post-War

Chair: Michele Mossa, Polytechnic University of Bari

Pierpaolo Abis, Aqp and Gaetano Barbone, Aqp. Reconstructing the Gaza Strip: Infrastructure and Services for Water and Wastewater. A concise scenario of Acquedotto Pugliese.

Domenico La Forgia and Francesca Portincasa, University of Salento. New Engineering and Ecological Systems for Water Supply and Treatment.

Massimo La Scala, Polytechnic University of Bari. Sustainable Energy Supply for Housing and Infrastructure.

Michele Mossa, Polytechnic University of Bari. Ecohydraulics for Environmental Protection: Approaches and Case Studies

Issam Srour American University of Beirut

Discussion: Representatives of the Platform for the Reconstruction of Gaza (PROG)

11.15-12.45 Tradition, innovation and housing reconstruction for environmental and social security.

Chair: Loredana Ficarelli Polytechnic University of Bari

Maria Antonietta Aiello University of Salento. Sustainable Materials for Construction

Loredana Ficarelli and Annalinda Neglia Polytechnic University of Bari. Strategies and Processes for the Recovery of Cultural Landscapes.

Antonio Leone, University of Salento. Protection of Water Resources: Land-Use Zoning and Prevention.

Michele Ottomanelli, Polytechnic University of Bari. New Transport Infrastructure

Valeria Monno, Polytechnic University of Bari. Socio-Spatial Ecological Reflections

Discusses: Dr. Shadi Saleh, ENABEL – Manager, Green Gaza Program

12.45-14.15 Implementation of sustainable spatial development: between tradition and innovation

Chair: Caterina De Lucia University of Foggia

Angela Barbanente Polytechnic University of Bari and Abdul Khakee University of Umeå and Örebro Managing Uncertainty in the Implementation of the ‘Gaza Phoenix Recovery Framework’

Dino Borri Polytechnic University of Bari and Luca Scandale, economist. Towards the progress of a Knowledge-Based Economy

Grazia Concilio Polytechnic University of Milan and Anna De Liddo The Open University Milton Keynes Participatory Knowledge-Based Systems for Collective Decision-Making in Complex Contexts

Caterina De Lucia University of Foggia and Atif Kubursi McMaster University Hamilton-Toronto Reconstruction of Gaza or New Development for Gaza?

Lorenzo Melozzi and Biagio Di Terlizzi Ciheam Rebuilding agriculture in Gaza: Experiences and Prospects

Discusses: Tarek Dana, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies or Representatives of the Platform for the Reconstruction of Gaza (PROG)

14.15-14.30 – Closing remarks

Umberto Fratino Polytechnic University of Bari

Representatives of the Platform for the Reconstruction of Gaza (PROG)

DEPARTMENT ARCOD

Aula Magna DOMUS SAPIENTIAE (university campus)

PART 2 – 15.00-18.30

15.00-16.30 Institutional greetings

Loredana Ficarelli Vice-Rector Polytechnic University of Bari

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (to be defined)

Michele Emiliano President of the Apulia Region

Giuseppe Satriano Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto

Giovanna Iacovone Deputy Mayor Metropolitan City of Bari

President of the Order of Engineers

President of the Order of Architects

16.30-16.45

Abdul Khakee Professor Emeritus University of Umeå and Örebro (Introduces: C. De Lucia)

16.45-17.30

Atif Kubursi Professor Emeritus McMaster University Toronto, Professor York University, and President of Econometric Research Limited The Economic Future of Gaza and the Region in Different Scenarios (Introduces: C. De Lucia)

17.30-18.15

Atef Abu Saif Writer and former Minister of Culture of the Palestinian Authority Stories from Gaza (Introduces: F. Borri)

Closing remarks

Umberto Fratino Polytechnic University of Bari.

The article A day for the reconstruction of Gaza comes from Poliba Chronicle.