Association of Arab Universities Participates in Euro-Mediterranean Higher Education and Research Week in Barcelona

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the presence of Arab universities in international academic forums and expand partnerships with educational and research institutions at regional and international levels, the Association of Arab Universities (AArU) participated in the Euro-Mediterranean Higher Education and Research Week, held in Barcelona, Spain, from 5 to 7 October 2026, and organized by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).

The event brought together representatives of the European Commission, ministries of higher education and research, regional and international organizations, universities, and academic and research institutions.

AArU was represented by Prof. Dr. Anas Ratib Al-Soud, Executive Director of the Association of Arab Universities, who participated in the Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Higher Education and Research Policies, held under the theme “Towards a Common Mediterranean Knowledge Space.” The conference focused on strengthening cooperation and partnerships in higher education, research, and innovation, and their role in supporting sustainable development, stability, and an integrated knowledge ecosystem across the Mediterranean.

Prof. Al-Soud also participated as a key speaker in the session dedicated to the Erasmus+ Programme, which explored the programme’s achievements and future perspectives in higher education, academic mobility, and capacity building. Discussions also addressed ways to enhance the participation of Southern Mediterranean countries in shaping programme priorities and developing future initiatives, particularly in preparation for the 2028–2034 phase.

In his intervention, Prof. Al-Soud emphasized the importance of moving from participation in European programmes towards more meaningful partnership in defining priorities and shaping programmes and initiatives. He highlighted the need to ensure that international cooperation reflects the needs and priorities of Arab universities while strengthening opportunities in digital transformation, research and innovation, technical and vocational education, and future skills development.

He further underscored AArU’s commitment to expanding opportunities for its member universities to access international funding and cooperation programmes, participate in joint educational and research projects, and develop sustainable institutional partnerships with European universities. He also highlighted the importance of supporting the mobility of students, faculty members, and researchers and facilitating the exchange of expertise and good practices.

AArU’s participation in the Euro-Mediterranean Higher Education and Research Week reflects its continued efforts to strengthen cooperation with the European Union, the Union for the Mediterranean, and international academic and research institutions, while opening new opportunities for member universities to engage in international programmes and initiatives and further strengthening the role of Arab universities in the global knowledge landscape.