ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Hum. Dyn.
Sec. Digital Impacts
Volume 7 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fhumd.2025.1585538
Digital Transformation in Higher Education for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Conflict Zones: A Case Study of An-Najah National University
Provisionally accepted
Nasereddeen M Al-Shaer*
Muayad Kamal Hattab*
Zuheir N KhlaifTasnim Naser Alsher
Noor Oamr Adas
Jamal KielaniOsayd Suleiman FtayerGhassan Shareef KhaledMohammad Subhi OdehEmran Izzat Bkheet- An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Digital transformation (DT) has emerged as a critical strategy for advancing education and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) worldwide. However, implementing DT in conflict zones poses unique challenges that require tailored approaches. This study examines the adoption of DT in higher education institutions, focusing on An-Najah National University (NNU) in Palestine as a case study. It explores how DT tools and technologies can enhance education, support sustainable development, and overcome barriers created by socio-political instability, financial constraints, and outdated legal frameworks. The research employs a qualitative approach collecting data using semi-structured interviews with decision-makers and experts, alongside quantitative analysis of institutional practices. The study highlights the transformative potential of DT to improve administrative efficiency, promote inclusive education, and foster resilience in conflict-affected regions. It emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration among universities, policymakers, and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive legal and ethical guidelines for DT implementation. Recommendations include policy reforms, capacity-building initiatives, and stronger international partnerships to maximize DT's contribution to achieving SDGs. By addressing the intersection of DT, education, and sustainable development in conflict zones, this study helps bridge gaps in existing literature and provides actionable insights for institutions facing similar challenges worldwide.
Keywords: Conflict zones, higher education, digital transformation, sustainable development, education technology, socio-political challenges, Capacity Building
Received: 28 Feb 2025; Accepted: 09 Sep 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Al-Shaer, Hattab, Khlaif, Alsher, Adas, Kielani, Ftayer, Shareef Khaled, Odeh and Bkheet. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Nasereddeen M Al-Shaer, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Muayad Kamal Hattab, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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