Latest news with #InternationalUniversityofRabat
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
UIR, Cisco Partner to Establish AI and Cybersecurity Excellence Center
Marrakech – Cisco and the International University of Rabat (UIR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a Cisco EDGE Incubation Center at the university. The partnership will focus on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, aiming to position UIR as a strategic hub for development and innovation. The agreement forms part of Cisco's global Country Digital Acceleration program, which promotes digital transformation by connecting academia, startups, industry players, and public institutions to accelerate the adoption of new technologies. The EDGE Centre (Experience, Design, Go-to-market, Earn) will serve as a catalyst for innovation in Morocco's growing technology ecosystem. Through this initiative, Cisco plans to foster synergy between universities, private sector companies, and public institutions. 'This initiative lays the foundation for future digital growth across North Africa,' said Francine Katsoudas, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer at Cisco, during the signing ceremony. 'With ten innovation centers across the African continent, we are working alongside nations to unleash the potential of AI and advanced technologies.' The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Meryem Medaghri Alaoui, General Director of Cisco Morocco, and Noureddine Mouaddib, UIR President. Katsoudas added that the collaboration aligns with Cisco's global vision to train three million skilled professionals across Africa to support a secure and inclusive digital future for all. This partnership comes at a time when Morocco is rapidly strengthening its tech infrastructure – anchored by the national Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, which aims to heighten digital exports, double the digital workforce to 240,000 jobs, and drive public‑service modernization through AI-enabled digitization. Recently, a separate agreement was signed in Rabat between several ministerial departments, the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), and the French company Onepoint to establish a center of excellence in data and artificial intelligence in the Casablanca-Settat region. This initiative will recruit 500 Moroccan engineers by 2029, bolstering national expertise in artificial intelligence, middleware, and data management, and positioning Morocco as a premier high-value offshoring hub and continental reference for technological innovation. The UIR-Cisco collaboration will include programs such as the Cisco Networking Academy to train the next generation of technology leaders, in what the joint press release describes as a shared commitment to advancing Morocco's innovation ecosystem.
Ya Biladi
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan professor Abdellatif Bencherifa wins International Prize for German Geography
This year, the International Prize for German Geography has been awarded to Moroccan professor and researcher Abdellatif Bencherifa, the Frithjof Voss Foundation announced. A senior advisor to the president, honorary dean of the College of Social Sciences, and director of the Public Policy Center at the International University of Rabat (UIR), Bencherifa has been recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to geographic science, work that resonates far beyond the borders of his home country. The award ceremony will take place on October 24 at Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. Renowned internationally, Bencherifa's expertise spans cultural geography, rural development sociology, and change studies. His research primarily focuses on Morocco's rural regions, including oases and mountain areas, pastoralism, migration, and development. In addition to his academic work, he explores fundamental philosophical questions within geography, while also bringing deep expertise in public policy, educational leadership, and territorial governance. He has authored or edited seven books and around 50 scholarly articles in French, Arabic, English, German, and Spanish. After earning his bachelor's degree in 1973, Bencherifa pursued postgraduate studies in human and social geography at Mohammed V University in Rabat, completing them in 1978. He later obtained a State Doctorate from Clark University in the United States in 1986. Alongside his academic research, he served as vice-dean of the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences at Mohammed V University (1990–1994), and vice-president of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (1994–2002). He was later appointed president of Moulay Ismaïl University in Meknes (2002–2005). Bencherifa was also a member of the first administrative council of the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) between 2002 and 2005. He contributed to the Fiftieth Anniversary Report and served on the Consultative Commission on Advanced Regionalization (2010–2011). Outside academia, he held several senior territorial positions between 2005 and 2016, including wali of the Gharb-Chrarda-Bni Hssen region, director of personnel at the Ministry of the Interior, and wali-director general of local authorities. He returned to academia in 2017, joining the International University of Rabat.
Ya Biladi
19-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
UIR and Ibn Tofail lead Moroccan universities in 2025 THE Impact Rankings
The International University of Rabat (UIR) has once again secured a leading position in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which evaluate universities' contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Tied with Ibn Tofail University, UIR ranks in the 401–600 global bracket, placing both institutions at the top of the list of Moroccan universities included in this year's edition, released on June 12. A total of 14 Moroccan universities were featured in the ranking. UIR earned particular distinction in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, along with strong scores in SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. This performance reflects the sustained efforts of the UIR community and underlines the university's strategic vision in advancing the SDGs, improving its international standing, and pursuing global accreditation. Several other Moroccan universities were also featured in the 2025 edition of the THE Impact Rankings. The Euromed University of Fez was ranked in the 601–800 bracket. Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Mohammed V University of Rabat, and Hassan II University of Casablanca were listed in the 801–1000 range. In the 1001–1500 bracket appeared Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, and Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University. Meanwhile, Universiapolis – Université Internationale d'Agadir, Chouaïb Doukkali University, Hassan I University, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, and Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakech were all placed in the 1501+ category.
Morocco World
19-06-2025
- General
- Morocco World
UIR Tops National Rankings for Commitment to Sustainable Development
Rabat – The International University of Rabat (UIR) has secured the highest national ranking in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, marking its third consecutive year at the top among Moroccan universities. The rankings, released on Wednesday, reflect the performance of 2,526 universities across 130 countries and regions in meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UIR shares the first-place position in Morocco with Ibn Tofail University. The recognition shows the university's efforts in areas such as partnerships for development (SDG 17), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), peace and strong institutions (SDG 16), and sustainable production and consumption (SDG 12). This achievement stems from the daily work of the university's faculty, staff, and students, whose projects, research, and outreach initiatives align closely with the UN's global roadmap for sustainability. The university has gradually anchored the SDGs into its academic priorities, public engagement, and institutional planning. More than a place for instruction, UIR positions itself as a space for applied knowledge and impact. From supporting inclusive economic models to fostering peace-centered governance research, the university builds links between global goals and local action. Earlier this month, UIR welcomed nearly 3,700 students from across Morocco for a two-day open house. The large attendance bears witness to the growing appeal of the university and strengthens its growing reputation as a top-tier institution nationally and internationally. Tags: EducationMoroccoMorocco educationUIR
Morocco World
30-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
UIR To Host Regional Seminar Exploring Micro-Credentials, Education Reform
Rabat – For the first time in the Southern Mediterranean region, Morocco is hosting a high-level international seminar on the future of higher education, specifically focusing on the rise of micro-certifications (or micro-credentials). The event, titled 'The End of Diplomas? Micro-Credentials, Skills, and Employability,' is taking place on June 2 and 3 at the International University of Rabat (UIR). The seminar is part of the SPHERE initiative (Support to Higher Education Reform Experts), a European Union-funded program that supports higher education reform in 23 neighboring countries. The event is organized by SPHERE, the Erasmus+ Morocco National Office, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, and UIR. Around 60 international experts in higher education reform from Europe, the Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, the Western Balkans, and Southern Mediterranean countries are attending. The seminar also brings together government officials, university leaders, students, and private sector representatives. The seminar is set to explore how micro-credentials compare to traditional diplomas, the legal and financial changes needed for implementation, and the role universities and businesses play in designing new learning options, said UIR in a press release. Experts will also explore how EU policies influence neighboring countries' education systems. In addition, participants will share best practices, real-world examples, and policy insights. Discussions are set to highlight the latest European initiatives, such as the European Education Area, the EU Skills Agenda, and the Digital Education Action Plan. Microcredentials are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a flexible and practical way to gain skills that are directly aligned with the needs of the job market. Unlike traditional degrees, which take years to complete, microcredentials allow learners to quickly acquire specific competencies that can boost their employability or help them shift careers. 'In a global context of rapidly changing skill requirements and the rise of flexible learning pathways, micro-certifications are emerging as a strategic tool to strengthen the employability of young people and adults, support lifelong learning, and adapt higher education systems to the new demands of the labor market,' said UIR in a statement. This seminar is expected to create new partnerships and ideas to make higher education more flexible and connected to the needs of the job market. Tags: EducationEmploymentUIR
