Organised by the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) under the theme "Green entrepreneurship and voluntary environmental teams in Arab universities—prospects for mutual cooperation," the event is hosted by the University of Sharjah and aims to bring together university presidents from across the Arab world in a collegial academic environment to enhance collaboration and the exchange of ideas and expertise.
The forum, running from 20 to 22 November, commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a recitation of the Holy Qur'an.
Dr Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, welcomed Sheikh Sultan and the attendees, highlighting the university's evolution into a global academic beacon. He noted that the university offers 57 bachelor's programmes and 76 postgraduate programs that are accredited locally and internationally.
Dr Al Nuaimi praised the university's significant achievements, despite its relatively short history, citing its leading position in scientific research and sustainability rankings, including its placement in the 251–300 category globally.
He emphasised that hosting such an academic event aligns with the university's strategy to build bridges of cooperation with academic institutions locally and internationally, contributing to the advancement of scientific research and the development of programmes that support sustainable development amidst rapid technological advancements in the fields of computing, digitisation, information technology, and artificial intelligence, he noted that the forum paves the way to achieving shared goals in upholding the mission of quality education and advanced learning, fostering distinguished scientific research, and preparing generations of promising students to meet the developmental demands of their present reality and their prestigious future.
At the conclusion of his speech, Dr Hamid Mjul Al Nuaimi praised the significant support and collaboration dedicated to advancing scientific and educational progress by those overseeing the forum. He extended his gratitude and appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, including the guests of honour, speakers, university presidents, the organising committee, other committees, and the university's conference office.
Dr Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), also delivered a speech.
In his speech, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the United Arab Emirates, particularly the Emirate of Sharjah, for hosting this year’s forum. He commended the University of Sharjah’s team for their collaboration and dedication in providing all necessary resources to ensure the forum’s success on its premises, renowned for their academic and scientific excellence. He highlighted the university’s role in maintaining a bright path of constructive cooperation between Arab universities and global institutions, which advances Arab higher education and fulfils shared objectives.
Dr Amar added, “The Arab Organisation for Education, Culture, and Science has recognised the importance of cooperation between Arab universities and global institutions concerned with scientific research and sustainable development. This cooperation is essential to driving comprehensive economic and social development. As such, the organisation has dedicated a significant part of its programmes and projects to this sector. The establishment of this forum, where we gather today, is the most notable outcome of these efforts, attracting extensive and active participation from both Arab and international entities. This aligns with the developments taking place on the international stage in the fields of scientific and technological research, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The growing calls to prioritise green entrepreneurship, the circular economy, and the green economy are crucial, as they push forward progress and excellence. These initiatives also create numerous opportunities for our university youth, who represent the majority of our societies and whom we rely on to build a promising future for our nations. We place our hopes and aspirations in them to create a brighter tomorrow and a better life.”
"The growing global attention to the culture of volunteering, its connection to economic and social returns, achieving sustainable national and global visions, and its impact on increasing productivity, developing young talents, and enabling them to actively participate in the progress of their societies, makes it essential for us to also contribute to spreading the culture of forming environmental volunteer teams among our university students, developing and enhancing their capabilities in all fields of volunteer work, particularly in the environmental sector," he continued. This will help preserve our planet and sustain its natural resources, especially in the face of climate change, which threatens the future of upcoming generations and undermines their hopes for a safe and sustainable life.”
The Director General of the Arab Organisation for Education, Culture, and Science (ALECSO) addressed the organisation's priorities, programs, and project goals, saying, “One of the organisation's priorities is to instil the principles of scientific research ethics, believing in the necessity of playing an active role in this field on the Arab stage. As part of its programs, ALECSO has initiated a project to compile a scientific guide in Arabic on research ethics, prepared by ALECSO in collaboration with a distinguished group of Arab academics and researchers. During this forum, they will present the first edition of this guide, which they hope will serve as a reference and guide for research ethics in our universities and institutes. We are committed to developing and updating it to meet your aspirations and perspectives.”
Amar also discussed the importance of scientific research in various fields, contributing to shaping future policies and plans. He stated, “Scientific research is a means to contribute to building an active citizen capable of solving problems and facing the challenges that confront their society.
The organisation has assisted several Arab countries in shaping their policies in the fields of science and technology and using them to serve society and development needs. ALECSO has helped build an Arab scientific foundation for the transfer and localisation of scientific and technological knowledge, spreading the culture of scientific research, simplifying science, and contributing to building a sustainable Arab economy through research and innovation, aiming to achieve economic and social well-being for Arab countries by 2030.”
He added, “Believing in the distinguished role of the University of Sharjah in supporting the progress of scientific research, scientific development, leadership, and innovation on both the Arab and global levels, and in recognition of ALECSO's acknowledgement of the University of Sharjah's efforts in fostering Arab creativity and promoting a culture of scientific research and innovation among Arab youth, this forum hosts the ceremony for the sixth edition of the ‘ALECSO Prize for Creativity and Innovation for Young Researchers in the Arab World,’ which we are proud to announce is carrying the name of the University of Sharjah in this edition.”
Sohar University n the Sultanate of Oman will host the next session of the "ALECSO" Third Forum for Twinning Arab Universities in 2025, the Director-General of ALECSO revealed in his concluding remarks. He also announced that the University of Nizwa in the Sultanate of Oman will host the seventh edition of the "ALECSO" Prize for Creativity and Innovation in 2026.
Prof. Mohammed Sand Abu Darwish, Director of the Department of Science and Scientific Research at the Arab Organization for Education, Culture, and Science (ALECSO), delivered a speech in which he expressed his pride and honour at being present at the University of Sharjah, a prominent academic Arab institution that stands as a beacon of science, knowledge, and human development. He thanked the university for hosting the forum, which serves the organization's mission to foster a sense of duty and responsibility in individuals in this rapidly changing era characterised by winds of change, development, and renewal.
After discussing the forum's strategic plans, Abu Darwish stated, "The 28th Arab Summit in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 2017 adopted the Arab Strategy for Scientific Research, Technology, and Innovation, which includes this forum." The task of following up on its implementation and achieving its goals, foundations, and mechanisms to establish an Arab scientific research, development, and innovation system by 2030 fell to ALECSO. This will contribute to development in the economic, social, and cultural sectors.
The organisation holds the belief that the only way to achieve these goals is through the collective efforts of our Arab universities, which play a crucial role in realising the strategy's objectives and fostering active and sustainable mechanisms for cooperation among Arab institutions engaged in research, development, and innovation.
He added, “This forum will achieve another objective of the strategy, which calls for effective participation with Arab and international organisations and institutions to exchange experiences. Today, we welcome the participation of entities that have contributed to developing green entrepreneurship concepts, forming specializations, preparing graduates, and fostering an environmental work ethic. All these efforts aim to transfer knowledge, share experiences, and build upon them to foster collaboration toward our shared goals.
The Director of the Department of Science and Scientific Research then spoke about the importance of green entrepreneurship, stating, “Green entrepreneurship plays a major role in addressing environmental and climate challenges in light of changing climates, environmental pollution, increasing greenhouse gas emissions, and the depletion of our planet’s natural resources. We can only confront these challenges through collective efforts and by fostering green entrepreneurship among our Arab youth, nurturing their creativity, ideas, and future in our esteemed universities and institutes.
Abu Darwish also referred to the forum's theme this year, saying, “ALECSO and the University of Sharjah decided to make the theme ‘Green Entrepreneurship and Environmental Volunteer Teams in Arab Universities: Horizons for Joint Cooperation’ the focus of this forum. We aim to gain insights from your experiences and draw inspiration from your expertise. Science's leading scholars, pioneers, and creators, we look to you for guidance. We hope that this forum will be a platform for sharing ideas and visions, strengthening our knowledge and experiences.”
He concluded his speech by praising the results achieved by the organisation during previous editions and commended the University of Sharjah for its support in providing all the necessary resources and assistance to ensure the success of the forum.
Dr. Thomas Alfons Efreth from the University of Gothenburg, Germany, briefed the university president on his visual presentation, "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Higher Education." Dr Thomas Alfons Efreth from the University of Gothenburg, Germany, briefed the university president on the major challenges faced by higher education institutions and how to leverage artificial intelligence technologies and applications in education and learning, research, and support services for the educational process.
A video presentation about the Arab Organisation for Education, Culture, and Science (ALECSO) and the ALECSO Award for Creativity and Innovation for Researchers in the Arab World followed. The presentation highlighted the goals of the award and key contributions from previous editions.
The university president then honoured the winners of the ALECSO Award for Creativity and Innovation in the Arab World. In the category of Distinguished Arab Researcher, the winners were: Dr Huda Al-Dairi from the Ministry of Education in Oman, Dr Sufian Al-Alayli from Carthage University in Tunisia, Dr Rana Imam from the University of Jordan, and Dr Hani Naser Abdulhamid from Assiut University in Egypt.
In the Research Project category, Dr Awatif Mahfuz Abdulmajid from the University of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia won. Additionally, the University of Sharjah was awarded the ALECSO Award for leading Arab institutions in the fields of green entrepreneurship and the green economy. The president of the University of Sharjah also honored the speakers, sponsors, and supporters of the forum.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Sharjah and ALECSO. Dr. Al Naimi, representing the university, and Dr Mohammed Sand Abu Darwish, representing the organisation, signed the agreement.
The memorandum outlines the strengthening of cooperation in areas of mutual interest in the academic field in accordance with applicable regulations. This includes: collaboration in organizing academic, research, and technical conferences and seminars; enhancing cooperation in community service programs; continuing education and training programs for faculty development; collaboration on research and scientific studies of mutual interest; and efforts to nurture talented, outstanding, and innovative individuals. Additionally, the agreement aims to promote Arab culture and encourage the best practices and highest standards in higher education.
At the conclusion of the forum, the president of the University of Sharjah and the director general of the Arab Organization for Education, Culture, and Science (ALECSO) exchanged commemorative plaques and took part in group photos.
The forum is attended by a number of international organisations, led by UNESCO, as well as youth organisations such as "Activate," which focus on developing and enhancing the skills of students in universities and educational institutions in general. Additionally, several Arab and international institutions, along with prominent figures and experts in green entrepreneurship and voluntary work, are participating in the event.
The second edition of the ALECSO Forum, hosted by the University of Sharjah, reaffirms the university's commitment to strengthening and reinforcing ties with many of the major Arab universities. The forum's first edition in Tunis last year announced the continuation of the bilateral twinning program between Arab universities.
For an optimal experience, please
