Prof. Karim El-Dash, Vice President of the University for International Relations, represented Benha National University at the opening ceremony of the 57th General Conference of the Arab Universities Union, which took place at the International University in Kuwait. The event was attended by:
- Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research,
- Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Arab Universities Union,
- Farag Al-Ajmi, representative of the Secretary-General of the Arab League,
- as well as representatives from the Ministries of Higher Education of Arab countries and several presidents of Arab and Egyptian universities, alongside a selection of academics and specialists in higher education from various Arab nations.
The conference was held from April 23-25, 2025, with the participation of approximately 250 Arab universities under the slogan "Enhancing Regional Integration and Digital Transformation in Arab Higher Education."
The Arab Universities Union honored Prof. Ayman Ashour in recognition of the ministry's and the Egyptian state's efforts to support Arab academic cooperation.
Prof. Tamer Samir, President of the university, emphasized the importance of participation in the conference as a platform for dialogue and academic cooperation among participating educational institutions, an opportunity to exchange scientific experiences, and to discuss pressing issues facing Arab educational institutions, particularly in light of technological transformations, innovation, and digital transformation, as well as the expansion of artificial intelligence and e-learning programs.
Prof. Karim El-Dash pointed out that the General Conference of the Arab Universities Union focuses on a set of fundamental axes that reflect the strategic directions of higher education in the Arab world. These include developing the higher education system in the Arab world to keep pace with global educational and technological developments, enhancing scientific and research partnerships among Arab universities, building sustainable and fruitful cooperation networks, preparing graduates for the labor market, equipping them with the necessary skills for the modern economy, encouraging innovation and digital transformation across various components of the educational process, intensifying cooperation at both academic and administrative levels, discussing the classification of Arab universities, and enhancing their presence in global rankings by adopting quality and academic accreditation standards.
The conference also focused on showcasing regional initiatives in higher education, such as the "Knowledge Bank," the Arab University Ranking and its significance, updates, and digital platforms, as they serve as supportive tools for open and sustainable learning.
The conference aims to achieve several strategic objectives, the most prominent of which are enhancing regional integration and academic cooperation among Arab universities and educational institutions, discussing the future of higher education in the region in light of rapid digital transformation and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, exchanging experiences and best practices in education, scientific research, and sound university administration, addressing common challenges facing Arab higher education, seeking collective and effective solutions, enhancing the institutional role of the Arab Universities Union, and activating developmental initiatives led by it at both regional and international levels.