1st India-Arab Universities’ Presidents’ Conference

The Ministry of External Affairs, in association with the University Grants Commission (UGC) as the knowledge partner and the League of Arab States (LAS) as the co-organizer, successfully organized the 1st India-Arab Universities’ Presidents’ Conference at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, from 05-06 February 2025. 

Organized under the education vertical of the Executive Program for the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation between India and LAS, the event brought together academic leaders from India and the Arab world to explore new avenues for collaboration in higher education.

The conference was inaugurated on February 05, 2025 by Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, who delivered the keynote address. 

Representing the Arab side, Mr. Imran Muhamed Al-Qeeb, Minister of Education, State of Libya, delivered a special address. 

Welcome remarks were provided by Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of UGC, followed by insightful contributions from Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities, and Mr. Farraj Aljmi, Director of Education and Scientific Research of LAS.

The conference featured four thematic sessions focusing on higher education and skill development cooperation, innovative areas of academic collaboration, mutual recognition of degrees, and joint scientific and technological research in fields such as AI, Quantum Computing, and Biotechnology. 

These sessions were followed by a breakout session where universities from India and the Arab world engaged in direct discussions to explore collaborative opportunities. 

On February 6, 2025, a session on promoting faculty and student exchange and cooperation in curriculum development was held, culminating in a closing ceremony chaired by the Secretary of UGC.

A notable highlight of the event was the active participation of Cairo University, Egypt, which not only reinforced India-Egypt ties but also exemplified the commitment to advancing academic and educational exchanges between the two nations. 

This engagement is expected to pave the way for robust bilateral collaborations and foster a dynamic environment for the mutual advancement of higher education. 

The conference served as a pivotal platform for universities from India and the Arab world to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration, bringing together academic leaders to share a collective vision for the future of higher education.