Leaders and decision-makers representing over 35 countries came together to explore the evolving role of engaged universities. Discussions centered on themes including redefining the “modern engaged” university, strategies for promoting global peace and sustainability, the importance of engaging more deliberately with government, industry and the society, skilling initiatives, and responses to technological advancements.

The first day of the forum was preceded by four pre-forum workshops on April 16th 2024 led by lading organizations and experts including the Times Higher Education, AdvanceHE, Ellucian, etc on a range of core topics aligned with the 2024 Forum’s theme.

The MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum, was honored by the presence of HE Ohood Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of State for Government Development and Future, on the second day. The closing ceremony witnessed a landmark moment with the launch of the Arab Consortium for Teaching and Learning Centers. Initiated by CLICKS, the Consortium brings together founding members from institutions across the Arab region, including UAE University, Abu Dhabi University, American University of Sharjah, Ajman University, Prince Sultan University (KSA), Lebanese American University, British University of Bahrain, American University of Cairo (Egypt), Al Akhawayn University (Morocco) and Naseej as the leading technology partner. The Consortium, a non-profit network dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning standards across the Arab region, aims to foster collaboration and innovation among educational institutions. Through sharing expertise and resources and engaging in joint research efforts, it seeks to drive pedagogical innovations, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, generative AI, VR, and AR to enhance educational practices.

“This Consortium represents a significant step forward in our shared mission for educational excellence. By uniting leading institutions across the Arab region, we are poised to make tangible strides in transforming education and shaping the future.” said Dr. Narimane Hadj-Hamou, Founder and CEO of CLICKS and Chair of the 6th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum.

The second and last day of the forum also celebrated the winners of the third cycle of the Zairi Intentional Awards for Excellence in Higher Education. Winners to the Awards were as follows:

Award of Excellence for Digital Transformation: The American University of the Middle East, State of Kuwait
Award of Excellence for Research Impact: The Aga Khan University, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Award of Excellence for Outstanding Non-Profit Contribution to the Community: Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Kingdom of Morocco
Award of Excellence for Internationalization: Modern University for Business and Sciences, Republic of Lebanon
Awards of Excellence for Equity and Inclusion: Sense Kaleidoscopes, Republic of India

Commenting on the Awards, Dr Hadj-Hamou, said “These awards honor institutions addressing global educational challenges and creating impact within their own contexts through excellence and innovation in areas such as digital transformation, research impact, community service, internationalization, and equity. Named after the late Professor Mohamed Zairi, a pioneer in quality and excellence, we are proud to acknowledge these exceptional institutions and congratulate all the winners of the third cycle. We eagerly anticipate applications for the 4th cycle opening on May 1st, 2024”.

The biennial MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum (MENA-HELF), launched in 2013, serves as an invaluable platform for higher education leaders and decision-makers worldwide. It provides an opportunity to convene, exchange insights, and foster new local and cross-regional collaborations while addressing emerging trends impacting the sector on both regional and global scales.

The sixth edition of the forum featured a rich program, including pre-forum workshops, plenary sessions, three roundtables, panel discussions, fireside chats, and over 30 institutional case studies’ presentations. Distinguished keynote speakers for this year’s event include Prof. Najla Bouden Romdhane, Former Prime Minister of Tunisia; Mr. Peter J. Wells, UNESCO; Dr. Rimah Saleh Al-Yahya, Member of the Saudi Shuraa Council; Prof. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah; Prof. Mohamed Loutfi, President of the British University in Egypt and Prof. Clare Pollock, Interim Vice-Chancellor, Western Sydney University, Australia among many others.

Sponsors to the 2024 MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum included: Minerva as a Gold Sponsor; Coursera and McGraw-Hill as Silver Sponsors and Cengage, AdvanceHE, Wiley and Studiosity as a Bronze Sponsor in. In addition to Ajman University and Emerald Publishing as a Supporter.

Additional details about the Forum along a full list of keynote speakers and panelists can be found on the Forum’s official website at www.menahelf.com