The Second ALECSO Arab University Twinning Forum kicked off on November 20, 2024, at the University of Sharjah, UAE, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and under the supervision of ALECSO Director-General, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar.
The Forum, organized by ALECSO in collaboration with the University of Sharjah, brought together over 100 Arab university presidents, representatives of global and Arab universities and institutions, along with official speakers and relevant experts.
The opening ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, along with several senior officials from UAE government institutions.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Dr. Ould Amar expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the UAE Leadership, Government, and people for the significant efforts made to ensure the success of the Forum. He highlighted the significance of this event, being held in an Arab university renowned for its academic and scientific excellence.
The Director-General indicated that ALECSO is aware of the importance of networking Arab universities with global institutions concerned with scientific research and sustainable development, as a means of enhancing cooperation in driving comprehensive socio-economic advancement. ALECSO, he added, has dedicated a significant part of its programs and projects to this sector, with the most prominent results being the launch of this Forum, with a wide and active Arab and international participation. The Forum, he noted, addresses developments taking place in the fields of scientific research, innovation, technology, green entrepreneurship, circular economy, and green economy.
The Director-General also highlighted the need to spread the culture of environmental volunteering among students, and building their capacities in this field, in order to preserve our Planet and its natural resources in the face of current climate challenges.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Sanad Abu Darwish, Director of Science and Scientific Research at ALECSO, noted that the theme of the Forum : "Green Entrepreneurship and Volunteer Environmental Teams in Arab Universities: Prospects for Joint Cooperation," reflects a great interest in showcasing and drawing upon relevant successful experiences. He expressed hope that the Forum would foster a fruitful sharing of ideas and experiences.
A video showcasing the ALECSO Creativity and Innovation Award for Young Researchers was screened. Winners were then announced and honored by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qasimi and Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed, on this occasion, between ALECSO and the University of Sharjah.
The opening session concluded with the exchange of commemorative Shields between His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, and H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, ALECSO Director-General.
The Forum's agenda featured six sessions spread over three days. Topics addressed on Day One included:
- The role of Arab universities in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the circular economy.
- Green entrepreneurship, innovation, and environmental volunteering : future prospects.
- Green entrepreneurship and environmental volunteering in Arab universities: towards a sustainable future.
Topics addressed on Day Two included:
- The uses of artificial intelligence in higher education.
- Ethical and professional aspects of artificial intelligence.
- Modernizing higher education institutions in Mauritania.
- The role of King Saud University in building the knowledge economy as key to sustainable economic development.
Topics addressed on Day Three included:
- Community partnerships and their role in the building of future generations.
