Association of Arab Universities Holds Meeting with High-Level Iraqi Academic Delegation to Discuss the Development of Technical and Vocational Education

As part of the General Secretariat of the Association of Arab Universities’ (AArU) commitment to strengthening direct engagement with Arab academic leaders and supporting initiatives aimed at advancing higher education and aligning its outcomes with development priorities and labour market needs, AArU held a meeting with a high-level Iraqi delegation comprising representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Iraq and several Iraqi university presidents. The meeting took place as part of a study visit to Jordan aimed at strengthening training, qualification, and employment capacities at technical universities, implemented within the framework of the Tawasul Project.

During the meeting, Prof. Anas Ratib Al-Soud, Executive Director of the Association of Arab Universities, outlined the General Secretariat’s vision and strategic objectives for advancing Arab higher education, strengthening cooperation among member universities, and enhancing the quality of higher education. He also emphasised the importance of developing technical and vocational education and ensuring that its programmes are closely aligned with labour market needs, thereby preparing qualified graduates equipped with the practical and specialised skills required to keep pace with economic and technological transformations.

Prof. Al-Soud also presented the Association’s key projects and initiatives, particularly the Arab Ranking for Universities, which contributes to assessing the performance of higher education institutions and enhancing their competitiveness through scientific criteria and indicators; the Arab Universities Platform, which facilitates networking and cooperation among universities while showcasing their academic programmes and capabilities; and the Arab Faculty Members Platform, which aims to strengthen connections among academics and researchers and expand opportunities for scientific and research collaboration.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on prospects for cooperation between AArU and Iraqi universities and educational institutions, as well as to explore ways to support institutional and academic capacity-building. Particular emphasis was placed on developing technical and vocational education, expanding opportunities for practical training, and strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and industry sectors. These efforts aim to enhance graduates’ readiness for employment and enable educational institutions to respond more effectively to evolving labour market needs.

This meeting forms part of AArU’s broader efforts to strengthen cooperation and integration among Arab universities and support the development of academic, technical, and vocational education pathways. Through these efforts, the Association seeks to foster skills development, prepare qualified professionals, and reinforce the role of higher education institutions in advancing sustainable development and the knowledge economy across the Arab world.