15th December 2025
The Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions (CLICKS) convened its second International Leadership Advisory Board meeting of the year, held virtually on 15 December 2025, with strong representation from board members.
The meeting opened with the formal welcome of two new members to the Advisory Board:
• Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director – Africa, Middle East & South Asia, QS Quacquarelli Symonds
• Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities (AIU), India
Board members were presented with a comprehensive progress report on the first year of implementation of the CLICKS Strategic Plan (2024–2027), highlighting key achievements, emerging challenges, and priority areas where advisory support would further strengthen institutional impact.
Discussions also focused on the upcoming 7th MENA Higher Education Biennial Leadership Forum, positioned as one of CLICKS’s flagship international platforms for advancing dialogue among higher education leaders, policymakers, and external stakeholders. The Forum aims to address emerging global and regional trends, inform future strategies, and foster meaningful inter-regional collaboration.
Plans to expand the Zairi International Awards for Excellence in Higher Education into new regions—broadening their global reach and further recognizing innovative and impactful contributions to academic excellence—were also discussed.
Dr. Narimane Hadj-Hamou, Founder and CEO of CLICKS, also shared with the Board the Center’s most recent initiatives, including the Arab Consortium for Higher Education and the AI Leadership Focus Group, launched in January 2025 in collaboration with Studiosity. These community-focused initiatives aim to support higher education leaders and institutions by fostering dialogue, shared learning, and peer exchange, and by providing spaces for institutions to collectively explore sector challenges, emerging developments, and practical responses to change—particularly in the area of AI in higher education.
Reflecting on the importance of the role of the Advisory Board, Dr. Narimane Hadj-Hamou stated: “Since 2012, the collective insight and international perspectives of our Advisory Board have played a critical role in shaping CLICKS’ strategic direction. We are privileged to work with such distinguished leaders who share our commitment to advancing higher education. With the continued engagement of our Board and stakeholders, CLICKS is well positioned to deepen its impact, foster innovation, and contribute meaningfully to excellence in higher education—both in the Arab region and globally.”
