The Association of Arab Universities Participates in the Opening of the CIMEA Regional Office in Palestine

H.E. Prof. Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities (AArU), delivered a recorded address during the official opening ceremony of the CIMEA Regional Office for the Middle East, hosted by An-Najah National University in Palestine, in the presence of H.E. Prof. Dr. Amjad Barham, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Palestine, Prof. Dr. Abdel Nasser Zaid, President of An-Najah National University, and representatives of European and international institutions.

In his address, Prof. Salama emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative in strengthening international academic cooperation, promoting transparency, trust, and mutual recognition of qualifications, while supporting academic and professional mobility for students, graduates, and researchers across the region.

He highlighted the role of the Association of Arab Universities in supporting the development of Arab higher education systems and strengthening partnerships with international institutions in the areas of qualification recognition and quality assurance. He also referred to the Association’s efforts in developing the Arab Qualifications Framework as a unified reference that enhances the comparability of qualifications, supports mutual recognition, encourages academic mobility, and aligns educational outcomes with labour market needs.

Prof. Salama noted that rapid developments in artificial intelligence, digital education, micro-credentials, and lifelong learning require more flexible education systems capable of recognizing skills, competencies, and acquired experiences, while enhancing graduates’ readiness for the future.

He concluded by stressing the importance of strengthening the engagement of Arab universities with the global academic community, fostering a culture of quality and mutual recognition, enhancing the competitiveness of Arab universities and graduates, and reinforcing the Arab region’s role as an active partner in shaping the future of higher education at both regional and international levels.