Association of Arab Universities Participation in Verso Sud 2026 Forum

His Excellency Prof. Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, participated in the proceedings of the 5th edition of the Verso Sud 2026 Forum, held in Sorrento, Italy, on 15–16 May 2026, with broad participation from leading academics, policymakers, experts, and representatives of regional and international institutions across the Mediterranean region.

In his address, His Excellency emphasized that the Mediterranean region represents a historic opportunity to rebuild a new model of regional cooperation based on knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development, noting that investment in higher education and human capital remains a cornerstone for achieving stability and shared prosperity.

He further stressed the importance of aligning higher education systems with rapid global transformations, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainability, in order to prepare future generations to compete globally and lead development pathways.

He also presented the vision of the Association of Arab Universities for the “Euro-Mediterranean Academy,” aimed at establishing a shared academic and knowledge space linking universities, research centers, and innovation hubs across both shores of the Mediterranean through academic mobility programs, joint degrees, collaborative research, and innovation ecosystems aligned with the needs of the modern economy.

He underlined that this initiative represents a strategic investment in the future of Mediterranean youth and strengthens academic integration while promoting dialogue, openness, and cooperation among peoples of the region, in support of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The Association of Arab Universities reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Euro-Mediterranean partnerships and advancing joint academic and scientific initiatives, contributing to a more stable, innovative, and prosperous Mediterranean region built on cooperation, knowledge, and shared development.