Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities Participates in IVEC 2026

As higher education continues to evolve, virtual exchange is creating new opportunities for international learning, cross-cultural dialogue, and collaboration among universities worldwide.

In this context, H.E. Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities (AArU), participated as a keynote speaker at the International Virtual Exchange Conference (IVEC 2026), held online from 26 to 29 October 2026 and hosted by the Modern University for Business and Science in Lebanon.

In his keynote address, titled “Are We Preparing Students for a World That No Longer Exists?”, Prof. Salama highlighted the need for universities to rethink how they prepare students for a rapidly changing world. He emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, critical thinking, effective collaboration, and the responsible use of technology.

His address focused on four key priorities: using artificial intelligence to support rather than replace human judgment; expanding inclusive and meaningful virtual exchange opportunities; investing in faculty development and institutional commitment; and measuring educational impact through learning outcomes rather than activities or partnerships alone.

To advance regional collaboration, Prof. Salama proposed exploring two initiatives through AArU: an Arab Network for Virtual Exchange and Collaborative Online International Learning, enabling universities to develop joint educational projects addressing shared regional challenges, and a flexible Arab framework for stackable micro-credentials and recognition of learning outcomes, supporting lifelong learning and stronger links between higher education and labour market needs.

His participation reflects AArU’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international academic cooperation, expanding partnerships between Arab universities and their global counterparts, and advancing innovative approaches that enhance the quality and relevance of higher education.