Academic Programs

The Military and Security Studies program at Al-Istiqlal University aims to develop highly qualified professionals equipped for service in security and military institutions. Through a carefully structured curriculum of specialized courses in military operations and administration, the program ensures that graduates acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for effective performance in military and administrative roles within the security sector.

The program actively seeks to prepare and qualify specialized personnel in military sports training through a structured educational approach conducted within a disciplined military framework. It equips students through a carefully designed curriculum comprising selected courses in sports training in general, with a particular emphasis on military-oriented physical training. Graduates of the program are provided with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively meet the demands of military service, as well as the professional competencies required for training roles within security institutions.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are systems designed to create, manage, analyze, and visualize maps for all types of security-related data. GIS links data to security maps, integrating location information (where objects are located) with all types of descriptive information (what the objects are). This provides a solid foundation for mapping and analytical applications in security sciences across all state security agencies. GIS enables security professionals to understand patterns, relationships, and geographic context, while also enhancing communication, operational efficiency, management, and decision-making within security institutions.

The Diploma in Security Sciences is one of the programs offered by the Department of Security and Human Sciences. It aims to contribute to the development of the Palestinian security sector by preparing non-commissioned officers and awarding them a professional diploma in security sciences.

The program actively aims to prepare and qualify specialized personnel to work in the field of mobilization and national culture within the Palestinian forces. This is achieved by equipping students with a carefully designed set of courses focused on national identity, loyalty, and cultural awareness.

The program actively seeks, through a strong and effective partnership with the Palestinian Police, to prepare and qualify specialized police personnel in correctional and rehabilitation work. This initiative responds to the needs of the Palestinian security sector and its institutions, particularly the police, by providing highly skilled and knowledgeable personnel to meet the requirements and operational components of the correctional and rehabilitation institutions.

The program actively aims to prepare and qualify legal and police personnel specialized in criminal investigation. It provides students with comprehensive legal and police knowledge in the field of criminal investigation through a carefully designed curriculum comprising selected courses in policing in general, with a particular focus on criminal investigation. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively meet the professional requirements of security institutions.

The program actively aims to prepare and qualify specialized personnel by equipping students for work in the legal and police fields. Through a curriculum comprising a carefully selected set of courses in legal and policing studies, graduates are provided with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively meet the professional requirements of police work within the Palestinian Police.

The Diploma in Customs Sciences was launched in 2017 in partnership with the Palestinian Customs Enforcement Directorate, and the program was officially accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education in 2019. The program awards an Intermediate Diploma in Customs Sciences and is recognized as the only program of its kind in Palestine. It is highly effective in meeting the operational and administrative needs of the Customs Enforcement Directorate, preparing 25–40 non-commissioned officers annually. The program trains NCOs at the rank of First Sergeant, equipping them to perform their assigned duties with high professionalism and technical competence. This is achieved through a combination of academic courses, practical training, and extracurricular programs, enabling graduates to effectively fulfill the needs and requirements of the Customs Enforcement Directorate across its various departments.

The Firefighting and Rescue Technologies Program contributes to providing the Palestinian Civil Defense with well-qualified personnel who are both scientifically knowledgeable and practically capable of performing their duties efficiently. This is achieved by enabling students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired at the university in field operations, as well as transfer these skills and knowledge to their colleagues within the operational team.

The program actively aims to prepare and qualify specialized military personnel in office management and secretarial work. Students are trained within a military framework through a carefully designed curriculum comprising selected courses in general administration, with a particular focus on office and secretarial skills. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and competencies necessary to effectively meet the administrative requirements of military work and to perform professional administrative tasks within security institutions.

The program actively seeks, through a strong and effective partnership with the Palestinian Police, to prepare and qualify specialized police personnel in tourism, antiquities, and environmental security. It focuses on equipping personnel with extensive knowledge in these fields to meet the needs of the Palestinian security sector in general, the Police in particular, as well as the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Environmental Quality Authority.

The Department is dedicated to preparing highly qualified professionals in psychology to serve the evolving needs of security institutions. Its program includes specialized courses in security, military, and policing psychology, enabling graduates to acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective performance within the diverse branches of the Palestinian security sector.

The Department of Languages at Al-Istiqlal University in Jericho is dedicated to creating a dynamic learning environment that equips students with advanced language skills essential for their academic, professional, and strategic development. As a core component of the College’s education and training framework, the Department prepares students to operate effectively in military and international arenas. Its programs emphasize innovative language instruction in English and Hebrew, while fostering students’ communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills for diverse professional and strategic contexts.

The Security Sciences Program at Al-Istiqlal University is the first of its kind in Palestine, offering specialized education in security studies and professional security work. The program is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the Palestinian Security Services by developing highly qualified and specialized security personnel. Graduates acquire advanced scientific and professional skills, enabling them to utilize modern technologies and data analysis effectively to support informed decision-making in security operations. This version is clear, professional, and suitable for international academic audiences and potential partners.

The Department of Police and Legal Sciences at Al-Istiqlal University is one of the core departments within the Faculty of Law and Criminal Sciences. It was established in alignment with the University’s national strategy to advance academic and professional training in police and legal sciences, aiming to provide the Palestinian security and police institutions with highly qualified personnel equipped with scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional and ethical values. The Bachelor’s Program in Police and Legal Sciences is the first of its kind in Palestinian universities and is recognized as a distinguished program in the Arab world. It is carefully designed to meet the operational needs of security and police institutions, as well as the justice sector, by preparing graduates capable of addressing contemporary security challenges. Graduates gain the expertise and competencies necessary to develop, implement, and enhance strategies within Palestinian security and police institutions, and to apply their knowledge effectively in the field. The department is supported by a distinguished faculty of academics with extensive practical and scientific experience in law and police sciences. They are committed to continuous development in the field and to transmitting their knowledge and skills to students, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional and academic excellence.

Established in the 2014–2015 academic year, the Department of Criminology and Law at Al-Istiqlal University is the first in Palestine and the Arab world to offer a Bachelor’s degree in this discipline. The program is designed to meet the needs of security and governmental institutions, particularly the Palestinian Police, by preparing graduates with a comprehensive understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and security threats. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the program equips students to analyze contemporary security challenges and apply innovative strategies in crime prevention and law enforcement.

Established in 2017, the Department of Forensic Sciences at Al-Istiqlal University emphasizes practical education, applied training, and scientific research. As the first department of its kind in Palestine, it offers comprehensive programs designed to train professionals and experts in forensic science, strengthening their academic knowledge and professional expertise. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and instruments, supporting advanced research and hands-on training in areas such as biological analysis, chemical and toxicological testing, and forensic examination of documents, weapons, and fingerprints.

Department of Tourism and Archaeological Security The Department of Tourism and Archaeological Security at Al-Istiqlal University was established at the beginning of the 2019–2020 academic year as part of the university’s strategic development to fulfill its vision and mission in the field of security education. The department addresses the growing need for specialized academic programs that enhance the capabilities of security institutions in responding effectively to complex and evolving security challenges. Al-Istiqlal University has prioritized academic excellence in building this department, designing programs aimed at strengthening the role of security and military institutions in society. The department prepares highly skilled professionals capable of supporting national security, protecting cultural and archaeological heritage, and contributing to the advancement and stability of Palestinian society through practical, research-based, and ethically grounded training.

The department actively aims to prepare and qualify specialized personnel by training students in the field of forensic sciences. Established in 2017, the Forensic Sciences Department reflects the university’s commitment to practical education and applied training. The department offers specialized training programs, applied courses, and advanced scientific research in forensic evidence. Equipped with modern detection and analysis tools, laboratory equipment, and advanced facilities, the department delivers its programs efficiently. It is the first forensic science department in Palestine, offering distinguished programs designed to qualify experts and professionals in forensic evidence and crime scene investigation, enhancing their professional and academic competencies. Students receive specialized training in fingerprint analysis, firearm residue, document forgery, and counterfeiting. The forensic laboratories include: Biological Testing Laboratories, including DNA analysis. Chemical and Toxicology Laboratories. Forensic Science Laboratories, covering document forgery, counterfeiting, firearms, and other crime scene evidence analysis.

Department Overview: The Department of Forensic Sciences at Al-Istiqlal University was established in 2017 in recognition of the university’s commitment to applied education and practical training. The department actively prepares and qualifies specialized personnel in the field of forensic sciences. The department offers a range of academic programs, including applied and advanced training courses, as well as research opportunities in the field of forensic evidence. It is equipped with state-of-the-art detection and analysis devices, laboratory equipment, and technological tools that enable the delivery of its programs with high efficiency. As the first department of forensic sciences in Palestine, it provides distinctive programs designed to train experts and professionals in forensic evidence and crime scene investigation. The curriculum emphasizes the practical handling of evidence, including trace evidence, fingerprints, ballistic marks, document forgery, and other types of criminal evidence, thereby enhancing both professional and academic competencies. The forensic laboratories within the department include specialized facilities such as: Biological Analysis Laboratories – including DNA testing. Chemical and Toxicology Laboratories – for substance and toxin analysis. Forensic Physics Laboratories – specializing in document forgery, firearm analysis, and related investigations. These laboratories ensure that students gain hands-on experience with modern forensic techniques and technologies, fully preparing them for careers in law enforcement, security, and criminal investigation.

Cybersecurity is a modern and highly specialized field, recognized as one of the most critical disciplines in today’s digital era. It focuses on protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks. The field involves implementing multiple layers of defense to safeguard devices, systems, and networks from breaches and intrusions, with an emphasis on identifying vulnerabilities and responding effectively to cyber threats. Cybersecurity is broadly defined as the practice of securing and protecting computer systems, networks, and software from theft, damage, or unauthorized access. It ensures the safety of electronic devices, applications, and data against digital attacks, including malicious attempts to access, alter, or delete sensitive information. As one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing technological fields, cybersecurity specialists are in high demand in the labor market. Professionals in this field work to enhance the security of networks and databases for organizations and institutions, strengthening the resilience and integrity of the digital environment. In response to the increasing demands and challenges in information security, the Cybersecurity program was established in 2021 within the Faculty of Information Technology, and was later integrated into the Faculty of Administrative and Information Sciences to form the Faculty of Administrative and Information Sciences and Informatics.

The Management Information Systems (MIS) program has been accredited since the establishment of the university in 2007 as one of its core specializations. The program was developed in response to the needs of the military, security, and police institutions for effective data and information management, equipping them to utilize this information across various operational, administrative, and strategic departments.

Data Science Program Overview Data Science is one of the most important modern disciplines, built upon a combination of specialized fields. Over the past five years, the global demand for professionals in Data Science has increased more than tenfold. Working effectively with data requires mastery of a diverse set of skills and concepts, many of which are rooted in statistics, computer science, and mathematics. Integrating these data-focused skills is a core feature of an effective Data Science program, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving. The program also provides opportunities to apply computational and statistical thinking to practical challenges. Through the Bachelor’s program in Data Science, we aim to achieve a distinguished standing among global universities by promoting collaborative efforts, fostering mutual understanding, advancing scientific progress, and serving both the security and civil sectors.

The Bachelor’s Program in International Relations and Diplomacy is the first of its kind among Palestinian universities to combine these two fields within a single undergraduate degree. Al-Istiqlal University uniquely offers this program, which is highly effective in addressing the needs and requirements of Palestinian security agencies and institutions. It plays a pivotal role in restructuring and developing the professional capacities of personnel working in embassies and consulates abroad in a scientific and advanced manner. The program achieves this transformative impact by engaging with contemporary issues in the Arab world and beyond, continuously monitoring developments, keeping pace with scientific and technological advancements, and leveraging the latest research in the fields of international relations and diplomacy. Moreover, the program aligns with the requirements for preparing a qualified workforce for the independent Palestinian state, supporting its ongoing development on the ground following Palestine’s status as a non-member observer state in the United Nations, and the aspirations of the Palestinian people for full membership as a sovereign and independent state.

The Department of Public Administration was established based on the vision of Al-Istiqlal University and its commitment to providing the latest advancements in administrative, military, and security sciences. The Department of Public Administration and Military Sciences is one of the core departments in the College, playing a significant role in supporting the University’s and College’s educational and societal objectives. The department addresses a fundamental need within the Palestinian security institutions by preparing highly skilled administrative leaders, fostering critical and creative thinking among students, and empowering them to develop innovative solutions to challenges within their field, contributing to the advancement of security institutions. At the Department of Public Administration, we believe that those who make a difference and achieve success are our partners in success. The department was founded in 2010, offering a Bachelor’s program in Public Administration and Military Sciences, and later expanded to include a Master’s program in Public Administration in 2018. The department brings together an elite faculty comprising holders of advanced academic degrees and senior military ranks across various administrative and military specializations. This unique combination of military and civilian expertise helps shape and refine competent officers equipped with both knowledge and practical skills.

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The Master’s in Public Administration at Al-Istiqlal University, offered in partnership with two other Palestinian universities, prepares future leaders for public and semi-public institutions. Graduates acquire advanced skills in leadership, human resource management, administrative law, budgeting, and organizational design. The program emphasizes practical application, exposure to international best practices, and the implementation of good governance principles, ensuring that graduates can effectively lead and develop Palestinian public institutions.

While multiple master’s programs are offered in international and regional studies, the Palestinian academic field lacks a dedicated program focused specifically on Palestinian Studies. Such a program is essential to meet the growing need for in-depth knowledge about Palestinian affairs. The Palestinian cause cannot be fully documented or understood without rigorous academic and research work that records its history and evolution from its inception to the present day. In recent years, the Palestinian issue has undergone major transformations that necessitate the establishment of specialized programs closely linked to its study. These programs would provide a structured framework for understanding the cause and serve as an academic foundation to advocate for and defend Palestinian interests effectively.

This Master’s program is the only one of its kind offered by Palestinian universities, specifically designed to address the urgent need for specialists in crisis management. It is the sole program dedicated to preparing and equipping future leaders within Palestinian society, addressing the national imperative to fill the gap in trained professionals capable of leading national institutions at both formal and community levels. The program adopts a scientific methodology for anticipating crises, analyzing risks, and developing comprehensive plans and scenarios to manage them effectively. Graduates are equipped to respond to emergent crises through thorough preparedness, strategic planning, and informed decision-making, ensuring the minimization of losses and the protection of both lives and property. This approach strengthens institutional resilience and enhances the capacity of leaders to confront challenges with competence and foresight.

The Youth Mental Health Program aligns with the mission and objectives of the College of Humanities by aiming to graduate students with specialized professional, academic, and research competencies. These competencies are tailored to serve local community institutions concerned with youth, including security, social, educational, and psychological organizations, whether in the public or private sector. The program seeks to equip graduates with the skills to diagnose, analyze, and interpret mental health phenomena, develop appropriate intervention plans, and respond effectively to emergency situations, while also enabling them to compete in both local and international labor markets. The program emphasizes collaboration and networking with community and civil society institutions to meet the essential psychological and social needs of young people, fostering resilience and mental strength. This is particularly critical given the Palestinian community’s exposure to political instability due to the Israeli occupation, which employs psychological warfare and targeted misinformation campaigns, especially against youth. Preparing individuals with strong psychological resilience is therefore central to the program’s mission, ensuring that graduates are capable of navigating and withstanding these extraordinary circumstances.

In response to the urgent need to develop and expand Palestinian legal expertise, particularly in the field of International Criminal Law, Al-Istiqlal University has launched the Master’s Program in International Criminal Law. The program aims to enhance specialized knowledge in International Criminal Law, covering areas such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of aggression, the jurisdiction of international criminal courts, and other related international criminal issues. The program focuses on deepening theoretical understanding, developing practical skills, and strengthening analytical competencies in various aspects of International Criminal Law. Additionally, it highlights the status of the Palestinian case within the framework of International Criminal Law, while addressing contemporary international issues relevant to International Criminal Law and International Humanitarian Law.

The Master’s Program in Security and Civil Peace Studies is the first graduate-level program in security studies offered at Palestinian universities. The program provides a comprehensive knowledge framework in the field of security sciences, including a set of courses directly related to this discipline, covering the fundamental principles of security, such as strategy, security policy, national security, human security, and security theories. It also offers a theoretical framework linking security with civil peace, emphasizing civil peace as a national priority for achieving security and justice. The program contributes to the development of knowledge and expertise for security and military personnel, professionals in the justice and rule-of-law sectors, and experts working in international and humanitarian organizations.

The Master’s Program in Criminal Investigation is a distinguished program among Palestinian universities, designed to provide civil and military governmental institutions with experts in the field of criminal investigation. In light of scientific and technological advancements and the increasing crime rates in society, this program focuses on training professionals capable of properly handling criminal cases, conducting investigations, and performing inquiries in accordance with legal procedures that aim to establish factual truth, thereby serving justice and contributing to public order in Palestinian society. The program also excels in preparing specialists with the knowledge and expertise in criminal investigation and forensic research, forming a skilled and distinguished team capable of detecting crimes, pursuing perpetrators, contributing to crime reduction, and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of criminal investigation.

This program integrates sports training, sports management, and related knowledge. It is designed to produce specialists in sports management and athletic training who can optimally apply policies and practical field practices in both areas, thereby contributing to the advancement of sports development in Palestine. The program targets bachelor’s degree holders in all fields of sports sciences, enabling them to acquire knowledge and skills applicable in their workplaces and to make a positive impact on the community’s economic development. Additionally, the program provides a natural pathway for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies in athletic training, sports management, and sports sciences in general.

This program integrates sports training, sports management, and related knowledge. It is designed to produce specialists in sports management and athletic training who can optimally apply policies and field practices in both areas, thereby contributing to the advancement of sports development in Palestine. The program targets bachelor’s degree holders in all fields of sports sciences, enabling them to acquire knowledge and skills that can be applied in their workplaces, with the goal of making a positive impact on the community’s economic development. Additionally, the program provides a natural pathway for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies in athletic training, sports management, and sports sciences in general.

The Master’s Program in Political Science – Specialization in International Relations and Diplomacy is founded on its critical importance in light of the complex international interactions shaping today’s global society. The program aims to prepare a specialized cadre equipped with expertise and knowledge in international relations and diplomacy to support public, private, and civil institutions, as well as research centers. Graduates will be proficient in addressing international issues, conflicts, and inter-state cooperation, and in resolving disputes through diplomacy and negotiation, applying scientifically grounded frameworks and established international norms.

The concept of offering a Master’s program in Political Science – “Palestinian Studies” stems from its critical importance. There is a pressing need for a specialized program addressing Palestinian affairs, given the absence of such a program in the Palestinian academic landscape. This program aims to meet the intellectual and research needs related to Palestinian issues, as the Palestinian cause cannot be properly documented or understood without systematic academic and research efforts that record its historical developments from inception to the present. Moreover, in light of the major transformations the Palestinian cause has undergone in recent years, there is a necessity to establish programs closely linked to it, ensuring that the cause is studied, understood, and approached within a structured framework capable of defending and advocating for it.

Master’s Program in Criminal Psychology The Master’s program in Criminal Psychology aims to prepare a specialized professional cadre capable of understanding and analyzing criminal behavior and its motives from a scientific psychological perspective, providing preventive and therapeutic solutions for psychological issues related to crime, and contributing to the enhancement of psychological and social security. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills in the fields of diagnosis, counseling, psychological support, and crime analysis. The program responds to societal and security transformations, addressing contemporary security, social, and psychological challenges. It is founded on modern scientific principles in diagnosis, therapy, counseling, and forensic research, thereby serving the needs of Palestinian society amid contemporary challenges.-

This is an integrated Master’s program in Public Law, titled “Master of Administrative and Constitutional Disputes”, focusing on the study of all subjects related to administrative and constitutional law disputes and all relevant legislation. The program then specializes in administrative disputes, which constitute the core of administrative judiciary, including judicial oversight of administrative decisions, their conditions, cases, procedures, validity, and annulment. This is achieved through a series of specialized courses covering all legal, administrative, and procedural aspects applied before administrative courts. The program also analyzes the legal and practical reality of administrative law and administrative judiciary in Palestine. Furthermore, it addresses constitutional disputes, their nature and procedures, and the judicial review of the constitutionality of laws in general.

يعد برنامج ماجستير علم الجريمة والأمن المجتمعي الأول من نوعه على صعيد الجامعات الفلسطينية، وأيضا على الصعيد العربي والدولي، والذي صمم من أجل تزويد المؤسسات الحكومية المدنية والعسكرية بخبراء في مجال علم الجريمة والأمن المجتمعي والبحث في أطرها وظواهرها ومخاطرها الأمنية على الذات المجتمعية الفلسطينية بصورة خاصة ، لاسيما في ظل التحولات الرقمية والتكنولوجية، وتزايد الظواهر الإجرامية والحاجة الملحة إلى تعزيز الأمن المجتمعي، ودعم سياسات الوقاية من الجريمة، وخدمة خطط التنمية والاستقرار الوطني، والاستجابة للتوجهات الدولية الحديثة، وتعزيز البحث العلمي في القضايا الجنائية والمجتمعية. ويأتي هذا البرنامج استجابة للتحديات الأمنية والاجتماعية المعقدة وتحديدا على الساحة الفلسطينية، ورغبة حقيقية في إعداد كوادر مهنية وعلمية قادرة على فهم وتحليل الظواهر الإجرامية، وتعزيز كل أطر الحد منها وصولا إلى تحقيق الأمن والاستقرار المجتمعي، وبناء أسس الوقاية العلمية للتصدي لهذه الظواهر المميتة، والعمل على بناء منظومة أمنية مجتمعية قادرة وواعية بمخاطر هذه الآفات والظواهر الجرمية؛ بما يساهم في تحقيق السلم والأمن الأهلي في المجتمع الفلسطيني.

تنطلق فكرة طرح البرنامج من أهميته، ويتميز هذا البرنامج بقدرته على إعداد مختصين يتمتعون بالخبرات والمعارف في مجال الأمن السيبراني وتحليل البيانات يعملون في القطاعين العام والخاص والمراكز البحثية، بالإضافة إلى التعرف على أحدث البرامج والادوات التي تستخدم في هذا المجال وفق أنظمة وقواعد علمية، ويمكن تلخيص المبررات وإيجازها في النقاط التالية:

• أهمية توفير بيئة التعلم النشط التي تعزز وتنمي وبطريقة مستدامة قدرات طلابنا وجدارتهم المهنية في قطاع تكنولوجيا المعلومات (الأمن السيبراني وتحليل البيانات).
• تطوير القدرات التقنية والفنية للطلبة، والعمل على إكسابهم المهارات العلمية والاجتماعية، وتحقيق الاتزان وتبني القيم الجوهرية الأساسية للمواطنة المسؤولة للعمل في قطاع تكنولوجيا المعلومات (الأمن السيبراني وتحليل البيانات).
• القيادة الناجحة للمشاريع ذات العلاقة باستخدام أمن الشبكات والمعلومات وتحليلها بتوظيف علم البيانات.
• فهم المشاكل الأمنية التقنية في المؤسسات العامة والخاصة وتطوير حلول مناسبة باستخدام الأدوات التكنولوجية المناسبة، وضمان الامتثال لقوانين أمن المعلومات وخصوصية البيانات للمؤسسات والأفراد في فلسطين.
• يتوافق البرنامج مع رؤية الجامعة في إعداد متخصصين في مجال التكنولوجيا، وأن تكون جامعة الاستقلال رائدة في العلوم الأمنية تلبي احتياجات الوطن من الكوادر الأمنية المؤهلة علمياً ومهنياً، وأن تكون في طليعة الجامعات والأكاديميات العربية الأمنية في خدمة المجتمع الفلسطيني وموضع اعتبار وتميز أكاديمي على المستوى المحلي والعربي والإقليمي والدولي في المجال الأمني.
• يتوافق البرنامج مع رؤية الكلية في الريادة والإبداع والتميز في دمج المعرفة العلمية الإدارية والحوسبة وتقنيات المعرفة في حقول العلوم الإدارية والعسكرية والبحث العلمي وخدمة المجتمع بقيم فلسطينية ومعايير دولية.