UAEU Hosts a Panel on Sustainable Higher Education at the International Government Communication Forum 2025

The United Arab Emirates University organized a panel discussion on “Sustainable Higher Education: Between Institutional Empowerment and International Competitiveness” as part of its participation in the International Government Communication Forum 2025, with the presence of experts in higher education and professional training from the Education and Training Quality Authority, Kingdom of Bahrain. The panel addressed pivotal issues concerning the future of Arab universities and their role in advancing sustainable development.

The session welcomed Sheikha Dr. Lobna Ali Abdulla Al Khalifa, Director of the Higher Education Reviews Directorate at the Education and Training Quality Authority, Kingdom of Bahrain, and Dr. Rami Beiram, Associate Provost for Research at the United Arab Emirates University. The discussion was moderated by Ghalia Al Ahbabi, Director of the University Outreach Department at the United Arab Emirates University.

The session highlighted five key themes that formed a comprehensive framework for the discussion. The first discussion point focused on the role of institutional policies in empowering universities to design flexible and sustainable educational models, and how to prepare academic institutions to face the rapid changes and challenges that arise in implementing these policies in real-world contexts.

Sheikha Dr. Lobna Al Khalifa emphasized throughout the discussion that sustainable higher education is no longer a choice, but a strategic necessity to ensure Arab societies are prepared for future challenges. She highlighted the importance of integration between universities, governments, and the private sector in shaping a flexible educational system capable of innovation and producing globally competitive graduates.

The discussion also explored international higher education competitiveness and its impact on elevating the regional standing of Arab universities. The panel addressed key factors affecting Arab universities’ inclusion in global rankings and how they can achieve a balance between preserving local identity and meeting global competitiveness standards.

Dr. Rami Beiram highlighted the significant role of innovative research as a driver of environmental and social transformation, and as a core enabler of sustainable development. He stressed the importance of fostering a research environment that supports scholars and directs their innovations toward addressing national and regional sustainable development goals.

A major topic covered in the discussion was the importance of government communication in supporting the higher education sector and enhancing public trust in its outcomes. The session showcased best communication practices that can strengthen universities’ reputation and open new pathways for engaging with society, thereby reinforcing transparency and credibility.

The discussion also emphasized the role of global academic partnerships as key bridges for knowledge exchange. Several successful international case studies were presented, offering inspiring examples for Arab universities to emulate in building partnerships that support the development of educational systems and promote collaborative research.