Abu Dhabi: The Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research has successfully concluded in Abu Dhabi, marking the adoption of the ‘Abu Dhabi Declaration’. This significant gathering was organized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO). The conference, themed ‘A Flexible Higher Education System Adapts to Rapid Global Developments’, brought together Arab ministers and experts from both regional and global academic institutions.
According to Emirates News Agency, a prominent feature of the conference was the numerous bilateral meetings held by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. In these meetings, Dr. Al Awar engaged with fellow ministers and delegation heads to discuss enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation. The discussions led to the signing of executive
programmes for cooperation in higher education and scientific research fields between the UAE and countries such as Jordan, Tunisia, and Iraq. Dr. Al Awar also met with Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, to converse about joint projects aimed at advancing the quality of higher education and promoting scientific innovation.
A pivotal outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration. This strategic framework aims to advance higher education and scientific research across Arab countries, emphasizing joint Arab cooperation through initiatives aligned with sustainable development priorities. The declaration calls for the development of sustainability-focused academic programmes, the promotion of innovative research, the establishment of academic incubators, and the preparation of graduates with skills to meet the evolving demands of the labour market. Dr. Al Awar highlighted the declaration as a significant milestone in advancing Arab integration in higher education and scie
ntific research, noting its role in fostering knowledge-based economies and adapting to global changes.
The conference sessions spanned over two days, during which experts explored strategies for developing flexible higher education policies to address future challenges, including global technological and economic shifts. Discussions reviewed key reference documents and regional projects leveraging advanced technologies, such as the use of blockchain technology to streamline qualifications recognition.
Additionally, the conference underscored the activation of the ALECSO Fund for Scientific Research, Leadership and Innovation, and the Common Arab Qualifications Framework, aimed at standardizing academic recognition across Arab countries. Participating countries shared pioneering experiences in higher education, focusing on curriculum development to meet labour market requirements, fostering innovation, and achieving excellence in scientific research in line with global standards.
Key recommendations adopte
d by the ministers included the launch of regional projects to improve scientific research infrastructure and the development of educational policies positioning higher education as a driver for sustainable development. The announcement that Iraq would host the 20th session highlighted a collective commitment to expanding Arab cooperation in this vital sector.
The closing events of the conference featured the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance, recognizing leading higher education institutions in the region. Delegations were also invited to participate in a cultural tour of Abu Dhabi, enriching the cultural and human dimensions of this significant Arab gathering.