Istanbul 07-04-2026
His Excellency Professor Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, participated in the Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE) 2026, which was held in the city of Istanbul from 7 to 9 April 2026, with the participation of a number of ministers, university presidents, policymakers, and experts in the higher education sector from different countries around the world.
In his speech during the opening session, His Excellency affirmed that the EURIE Summit represents a leading international platform that brings together higher education leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to discuss the future of education at the global level. He explained that it is not merely an academic conference, but rather a space for dialogue that transforms into real partnerships, and a bridge connecting different regions through knowledge and academic cooperation.
He pointed out that the world is witnessing profound transformations driven by technological acceleration, developments in artificial intelligence, demographic changes, and geopolitical challenges, which are reshaping the role of universities and making them more responsible for supporting innovation and enhancing the ability of societies to adapt to the future.
His Excellency also stressed that global challenges, such as climate change, digital transformation, and skills gaps, cannot be addressed within national borders alone, affirming that international cooperation in higher education is no longer an option but has become a strategic necessity.
In this context, he highlighted the importance of academic cooperation between Arab and Turkish universities, which is witnessing notable development through joint initiatives and bilateral agreements in the fields of scientific research, student exchange, and joint academic programs, reflecting the deep historical, cultural, and intellectual ties that connect the two sides.
At the conclusion of his speech, His Excellency emphasized that the future of higher education will not rely solely on individual excellence, but rather on collaborative excellence based on international partnerships, responsible innovation, and service to society. He noted that the EURIE Summit embodies this vision by bringing together the communities of academia, industry, and policymakers on one platform.
His Excellency also expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the organizers of the summit in promoting international academic cooperation, wishing the summit every success and reaffirming the aspiration of the Association of Arab Universities to expand areas of cooperation with academic institutions in different regions of the world.