Oman to host regional summit on higher education partnerships
Muscat – Oman will host the second edition of the ICEF Middle East Scholarship and Partnership Summit 2025, showcasing the country's commitment to advancing higher education and fostering regional and international collaboration.
The two-day event, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation (MoHERI), begins on February 16 and aims to strengthen academic ties across the Gulf and beyond.
The summit will bring together officials, decision-makers, and stakeholders from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, along with representatives from over 60 universities and international organisations. The discussions will focus on enhancing scholarship programmes, student exchange initiatives, and research partnerships while addressing the challenges faced by higher education institutions in aligning their programmes with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Yahya bin Salam al Mandhari, Director General of Scholarships at MoHERI, said the forum provides a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas.
'This international forum will address challenges in training and qualifying national cadres, developing sustainable scholarship programmes, and strengthening knowledge and scientific relations between educational authorities in the Gulf, Arab, and international countries.'
The summit will also promote sustainable partnerships between government funding bodies and academic institutions aiming to attract international students. Discussions will emphasise the importance of international accreditation for universities and encourage collaboration with policymakers to improve scholarship initiatives.
Key activities include dialogue sessions, bilateral meetings, and workshops aimed at sharing global best practices in higher education, science, and technology.
Officials from MoHERI, along with representatives from local and international institutions, will meet to discuss strategies for capacity building and cooperation.
The forum's agenda also aligns with Oman's broader goals of developing human capital and preparing national cadres to meet future challenges. It seeks to foster collaboration with higher education institutions worldwide, including through discussions linked to the NAFSA Global Conference.
The ICEF Middle East Summit underscores Oman's pivotal role in shaping the regional higher education landscape, enhancing academic ties, and preparing its workforce for global challenges.
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