UAE to host the Conference (19) of Arab Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates 27-28 November 2024
The United Arab Emirates is set to host the 19th Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO). The event will take place on 27-28 November 2024 at the Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas. Attendees will include high-level delegations headed by ministers of higher education and scientific research from Arab countries, representatives from Arab, regional and international education development organisations, leaders of local higher education institutions, and education experts.
This year’s conference, themed ‘A Flexible Higher Education System Adapts to Rapid Global Developments’, aims to discuss strategies to enhance policies for higher education and scientific research across the Arab world. The focus will be on improving human resource efficiency, advancing educational curricula, and achieving comprehensive quality to create a leading, competitive higher education system in the region.
His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasised that the UAE’s hosting of this event reflects its distinguished status in education regionally and globally. This aligns with the country’s prioritisation of education as a cornerstone for building competencies capable of leading sustainable development projects and advancing societal progress. Dr Al Awar highlighted that the conference serves as a platform for sharing expertise in higher education and scientific research among Arab countries, enabling responsible authorities to shape future systems in line with international best practices and addressing developmental needs.
Dr Al Awar stated, “In light of the rapid technological, social and economic developments taking place globally, it is imperative to enhance coordination and cooperation among Arab countries. This will enable the development of flexible and proactive policies and frameworks that raise the efficiency and quality of educational and research institutions in the Arab world, while boosting their competitiveness on the international stage.”
He added, “During the conference, we will showcase the UAE’s pioneering experience in advancing its higher education system by improving the quality of outputs and linking academic programmes with the needs of economic and social sectors, as well as job market requirements. We will collaborate with our Arab counterparts and ALECSO to ensure that the conference produces recommendations that transform ambitious visions into practical initiatives and programmes, meeting the aspirations of Arab populations and youth.”
His Excellency Dr Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, expressed his gratitude to the UAE leadership, government and people for hosting the conference and providing optimal conditions for its success. He noted that this reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening joint Arab action in higher education and scientific research. He also commended the UAE’s pioneering initiatives in digital transformation, quality assurance and governance in the education sector.
Dr Ould Amar explained, “ALECSO’s organisation of this conference under the theme ‘A Flexible Higher Education System Adapts to Rapid Global Developments’ aligns with the goal of uniting Arab countries’ efforts in higher education to achieve national development objectives and fulfil regional and international commitments, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The conference also aims to create a new strategic horizon for Arab higher education and scientific research that meets contemporary expectations and the demands of the next century.”
The conference will address several key reference documents developed in partnership with ALECSO and its strategic collaborators during the 18th Conference. These documents focus on establishing a flexible higher education system that responds to global developments by analysing current educational landscapes in Arab and international contexts, formulating future visions, and developing a common Arab qualification framework. Additional themes include aligning university programmes with future skills and professions, leveraging modern technologies such as blockchain for mutual recognition of qualifications, and fostering scientific research through the ALECSO Fund for Scientific Research, Leadership and Innovation.
Proceedings will commence on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, with a meeting of experts. Delegates from participating Arab countries will review six reference documents aimed at enhancing higher education systems and promoting joint initiatives to drive leadership and innovation in higher education and scientific research. On Thursday, 28 November 2024, the ministerial meeting will take place, during which the UAE will assume the chairmanship of the conference. Key sessions will include the UAE’s presentation on its higher education achievements, a review of the implementation of recommendations from the 18th Conference held in Algeria in December 2021, and the approval of new recommendations.
The conference will culminate in the issuance of the ‘Abu Dhabi Declaration’, a comprehensive document outlining the collective vision for advancing Arab higher education and scientific research systems. This declaration will underscore the importance of aligning education with future global demands while fostering collaboration among Arab countries to achieve shared development goals.