المنامة تستضيف ملتقى دوليا يبحث مستقبل التعليم الجامعي في زمن التحول الرقمي
The Kingdom of Bahrain is set to become a pivotal hub for educational innovation as it prepares to host a landmark international conference dedicated to modernizing university programs across the Arab world. This event, focused on aligning curricula with the skills and professions of the future, underlines a growing regional commitment to future-proof higher education. The core of the discussions will revolve around تطوير برامج التعليم الجامعي (developing university education programs), a crucial undertaking for sustainable growth.
ملتقى المنامة: انطلاقة نحو تطوير التعليم الجامعي في العالم العربي
Scheduled for December 2nd and 3rd, 2025, at the Dana Hall of the Gulf Hotel in Manama, the International Conference for Developing University Education Programs in Arab Countries will gather a distinguished cohort of ministers, heads of regional and international organizations, university presidents, and leading global experts. This collaborative effort is spearheaded by the Gulf University in partnership with UNESCO’s regional center for quality and excellence in education. The aim is clear: to reshape higher education to meet the evolving demands of a rapidly changing global landscape.
Dr. Saad bin Saud Al-Fahid, President of the Gulf University, emphasized the conference’s strategic importance. “This conference embodies the commitment of the Gulf University and UNESCO’s Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education to lead the development of higher education in the region,” he stated. “It focuses on connecting Arab universities with global shifts in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and the knowledge economy.” He further highlighted the importance of creating a dynamic space for decision-makers, academics, and education experts to forge a clear roadmap for implementation, drawing heavily from a key reference document approved by Arab Ministers of Higher Education.
الوثيقة المرجعية: خارطة طريق للتعليم المستقبلي
The cornerstone of this gathering is a reference document adopted at the 19th Conference of Ministers of Higher Education of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in Abu Dhabi in November 2024. This document, concerning تطوير برامج التعليم الجامعي في ضوء مهارات ومهن المستقبل (developing university education programs in light of future skills and professions) provides a framework for modernizing curricula.
Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Mederis, Director General of the Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education, underscored the conference’s pivotal role in this process. “The conference emphasizes the commitment of Arab educational institutions to keep pace with the technological and digital transformations occurring worldwide, and to formulate a shared Arab vision for developing university programs in line with future skills and professions,” he explained. He stressed how the event directly implements the decision made by the ministers – the adoption of the Arab Reference Framework for Developing University Education Programs.
التركيز على المهارات المطلوبة لسوق العمل (Focus on Skills Required for the Job Market)
A crucial component of the discussions will be identifying and integrating the skills that future employers will demand. This will move beyond traditional academic disciplines and embrace areas like data science, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. The need for adaptability and lifelong learning is also paramount. The Arabic world is facing unique opportunities and challenges in this digital age, and tailoring education to these realities is essential. التعليم الجامعي (university education) needs to be more responsive to the needs of industries, fostering innovation, and increasing employability.
Another key partner in this initiative is the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), showcasing a unified Arab commitment to elevating educational standards. The Gulf University’s commitment to collaborative partnerships with international organizations like UNESCO, ALECSO, and ISESCO demonstrates its proactive stance in building flexible academic programs that respond to technological advancements and support sustainable development within Arab nations.
أجندة شاملة نحو نموذج تعليمي عربي مستدام (A Comprehensive Agenda Towards a Sustainable Arab Education Model)
The conference boasts a rich agenda comprised of ministerial sessions, platforms for international organizations, and practical workshops. This reflects a serious dedication to building an integrated Arab model for sustainable university education. The program will commence with a high-level session featuring ministers of higher education from several Arab countries, alongside leaders of regional and international bodies, to discuss the future of Arab التعليم العالي (higher education) in the face of digital transformation.
The first day will also include a detailed presentation of the UNESCO Regional Center’s Reference Document, along with the announcement of a joint chair between the Gulf University and the Center. An accompanying exhibition will highlight the innovative initiatives undertaken by Arab universities to update their academic programs. Further sessions will explore global trends in university education, international models for program development, and exemplary Arab experiences in educational modernization.
Workshops will focus on integrating sustainability and future skills into curricula, exploring international academic cooperation models, and empowering youth with the skills they need to succeed. The second day will continue with sessions centered on transforming university education towards sustainable development, reinforcing partnerships between universities and the job market, and culminating in a closing session dedicated to activating the Arab Reference Framework.
إعلان المنامة 2025: صياغة مستقبل التعليم (Manama Declaration 2025: Shaping the Future of Education)
The conference is expected to conclude with the issuance of the “Manama Declaration 2025,” a roadmap for implementing the Reference Document and empowering the development of university programs based on future skills and professions. This declaration will include practical recommendations designed to enhance the quality of education, strengthen links between universities and the job market, and adopt digital and sustainable education as a strategic priority.
This event signals a powerful momentum toward a fundamental shift in التعليم الجامعي across the Arab world. By focusing on تطوير برامج التعليم الجامعي and prioritizing future skills, the region is positioning itself for sustained economic growth and a more competitive global presence. The Manama Declaration 2025 has the potential to be a transformative document, guiding educational reforms for years to come.
