As part of the International Week of Science and Peace, an international symposium was held, virtually, on November 6, 2024, under the title: “The Role of Arab Universities in the Era of Digital Transformation."
The event was jointly organized by the Pillar Centre for Conflict Resolution, International Arbitration and Scientific Research, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), and the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), in collaboration with several Arab and international universities.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohamed Jemni, Director of ICT at ALECSO, conveyed the greetings of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO. He underscored the crucial role of universities in keeping pace with digital transformation and enhancing the use of technology in education and scientific research.
The symposium, attended by over 150 participants, featured presentations by university leaders and rich discussions on how universities can leverage digital transformation to address modern challenges and strengthen research and education. It reaffirmed the importance of science and education in building advanced societies by enhancing the role of universities in leading positive change.
The event concluded with an open discussion session, which culminated in a set of recommendations addressed to universities and society.
Key recommendations addressed to universities included:
- Enhancing scientific research as a means of promoting peace and sustainable development;
- Incorporating the values of peace and tolerance into education curricula;
- Developing global academic partnerships to promote the sharing of knowledge and expertise;
- Leveraging AI tools in curriculum design, thereby enabling students to develop practical skills that meet the requirements of the digital age;
- Providing scholarships to support students from diverse nationalities;
- Encouraging student activities that foster the culture of peace and teamwork.
Key recommendations addressed to society included :
- Promoting education as a means of achieving peace and sustainable development;
- Disseminating the culture of dialogue and mutual respect to enhance peaceful coexistence;
- Encouraging volunteer activities designed to promote peacebuilding;
- Enhancing technological innovation serving peace and sustainability;
- Raising youth’s awareness about the importance of science in promoting peace and building sustainable societies.
