07 August 2026

The Association of Arab Universities Participates in China–UK Digital Education Innovation Forum

Bournemouth, United Kingdom – 7 August 2026

H.E. Prof. Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities (AArU), participated in the 2026 China–UK Digital Education Innovation Forum, hosted by Bournemouth University, bringing together academic leaders, experts, and specialists in digital education and innovation.

During the Forum, H.E. Prof. Salama delivered a keynote address on the future of higher education in the age of artificial intelligence, highlighting the need to redefine the role of universities and move beyond knowledge transmission towards human capability development, with greater emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, innovation, leadership, ethical judgment, and lifelong learning.

He stressed that the university of the future should evolve into an integrated lifelong learning ecosystem, offering flexible pathways combining academic degrees, professional certificates, micro-credentials, and upskilling and reskilling programmes, in response to rapidly changing labour markets and the demands of the digital economy.

H.E. the Secretary-General emphasized the importance of balancing technology and humanity, research and industry needs, and international engagement and social responsibility. He noted that AI should enhance education, research, and innovation while preserving human interaction and the academic and ethical values at the heart of education.

He also highlighted the importance of balancing global competitiveness with local needs, noting that stronger partnerships between Arab universities and their counterparts in the UK and China can create new opportunities for cooperation in research, innovation, digital education, and developing future leaders, going beyond traditional student exchanges and memoranda of understanding.

The General Secretariat of AArU expressed its sincere appreciation to Bournemouth University for hosting the Forum, and to Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Bournemouth University, and Professor AbouBakr Fathalla, Dean of Global Engagement and Strategic Partnerships at Bournemouth University, for their warm hospitality, excellent organisation, and efforts to advance international academic dialogue and cooperation in digital education and innovation.

AArU’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening its international presence and expanding partnerships with universities, academic institutions, policymakers, and industry and technology sectors, supporting the development of Arab higher education and its capacity to respond to rapidly evolving global trends.

The Association of Arab Universities Participates in China–UK Digital Education Innovation Forum

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