Association of Arab Universities Participates in the Consultative Meeting of Regional and International Educational Organizations in Riyadh

The Association of Arab Universities (AArU) participated in the Consultative Meeting of Regional and International Educational Organizations, held in Riyadh under the theme “From Coordination to Integration”, and organized by the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS).

The two-day meeting brought together educational leaders, experts, and representatives of regional and international organizations to exchange experiences and explore opportunities for stronger cooperation and joint initiatives in response to the rapidly changing education landscape.

H.E. Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, took an active role in the meeting, delivering the opening address and participating in a dialogue session on the future of education and improving learning outcomes.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Salama emphasized the need to move beyond coordination and knowledge exchange towards institutional integration, effective partnerships, and joint programmes with measurable impact.

He highlighted how artificial intelligence and digital transformation are reshaping education—not only through new technologies, but also through new approaches to knowledge, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and future skills. He stressed that technology should enhance learning and empower teachers while preserving the essential human dimension of education.

The meeting also featured discussions on PISA 2025 results, focusing on their implications for student performance and learning outcomes. Prof. Salama stressed that international assessments should go beyond rankings and comparisons, serving instead as evidence to identify challenges, guide policy, and improve educational practice.

During the dialogue session, he further emphasized the importance of strengthening science education and scientific thinking, encouraging experimentation, inquiry, and problem-solving, while building stronger links between schools, universities, research institutions, and the world of work.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of moving from individual initiatives and exchanges towards coordinated programmes and partnerships with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and sustainable impact.

AArU’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening cooperation among Arab universities and regional and international educational organizations, expanding strategic partnerships, and contributing to a shared vision for the future of education in the Arab region.