emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, hosted the heads of delegations from various countries and organizations attending the 19th Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The conference, held in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), is taking place in Abu Dhabi and will conclude on 28th November.

This year’s conference, themed ‘A Flexible Higher Education System Adapts to Rapid Global Developments,’ focuses on advancing higher education across the Arab world.

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the delegates and emphasized that education is a key priority for the UAE, playing a central role in the nation’s development strategies. He expressed optimism that the conference would produce valuable recommendations and actionable strategies to improve the quality of higher education in the Arab region and enhance its global competitiveness.

The conference also marks the beginning of the UAE’s presidency of the ministerial meeting of Arab Ministers Responsible for Higher Education and Scientific Research. The session included discussions on the UAE’s progress in enhancing its higher education system, a review of the outcomes from the 18th Conference in Algeria in 2021, and the approval of new recommendations for the 19th Conference.

The event is set to culminate in the issuance of the "Abu Dhabi Declaration," which will outline a strategic plan for the development of Arab higher education and scientific research systems.