As part of its efforts to strengthen Arab and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and innovation, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) participated in the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Week on Higher Education, Research and Innovation, held from October 5 to 7, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain.
The event brought together representatives of international and regional organizations, universities, and research institutions, as well as experts and officials involved in developing higher education and scientific research systems across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
ALECSO was represented at the event by Dr. Mohammed Sanad Abu Darwish, Director of Science and Scientific Research. During the high-level session, he presented ALECSO’s initiative for Arab–European integration in joint scientific and academic mobility, launched in collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean. The initiative aims to establish an integrated and sustainable framework for cooperation that promotes mobility between Arab and European universities and scientific research institutions, develops academic and research partnerships, and facilitates exchanges among students, researchers, and academic staff. It also seeks to support the internationalization of higher education, promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise, encourage the mutual recognition of qualifications, and strengthen ties between Arab and European academic communities, particularly across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Dr. Abu Darwish also spoke during the second plenary session, entitled “Higher Education and Scientific Research as Drivers of Resilience and Recovery in Crisis-Affected Areas.” The session examined the role of universities and scientific research institutions in supporting communities affected by crises and strengthening their capacity for resilience and recovery. He highlighted ALECSO’s role in enhancing the capacity of universities and research institutions to respond to crises, and called on decision-makers to address crises before, during and after they occur. This, he added, requires developing academic and research cooperation and strengthening preparedness, response, and recovery mechanisms, thereby reinforcing community resilience and contributing to sustainable development.
ALECSO’s participation reflects its continued endeavor to strengthen Arab and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and contribute to the development of a more integrated and open academic and research environment built on partnerships between universities and scientific research institutions and the facilitation of scientific and academic mobility. It also underscores the Organization’s commitment to coordinating efforts and building on existing initiatives and frameworks to foster integration across higher education, research, and innovation systems. These efforts aim to support knowledge production and its practical application in addressing challenges, particularly those associated with crises and economic, social, and environmental transformations, while contributing to the development of institutional and human capacities.
