Doha, November 03 (QNA) - The Fifth UNESCO Conference on Higher Education in Arab States concluded Tuesday, emphasizing continued dialogue and cooperation to develop higher education systems and keep pace with regional and global changes. 
Organized over two days by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), UNESCO and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science (QNCECS), the conference recommended stronger regional and international cooperation, a reliable system for recognizing academic qualifications, responsible digital and AI transformation, greater resilience during crises, and support for research, academics and researchers. 
Held under the theme "The New Landscape of Learning in Higher Education in the Arab States," the conference addressed six main themes. 
The first session, moderated by MOEHE's Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Dr. Hareb Al Jabri, examined joint Arab institutional efforts to advance higher education.
Director of UNESCO's Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems Dr. Borhene Chakroun outlined global trends and regional priorities, including quality assurance, governance, digital transformation and academic mobility. 
ALECSO Director General Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar highlighted differences among academic systems, weak research coordination and limited academic exchange, stressing the need for a shared Arab vision to improve higher education quality and competitiveness.
Chief of Sciences and Environment Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Dr. Kuanysh A. Yergaliyev emphasized university cooperation and knowledge exchange. 
Participants also discussed sustainable funding and resource mobilization, particularly to ensure continuity in countries affected by conflicts and crises. 
The second session, moderated by Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education Secretary General Dr. Tarek Al Sindi, launched the Arabic version of UNESCO's roadmap, "Transforming Higher Education: A Global Ambition, a Shared Achievement." 
Dr. Borhene Chakroun presented the revised Arab Convention on the Recognition of Higher Education Studies, Certificates and Degrees, which aims to build trust among higher education systems and facilitate academic mobility. 
Senior Academic Expert at the National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation Sheikha Dr. Naila bint Ahmed Al-Thani presented Qatar's experience in developing its National Qualifications Framework to improve academic quality and align qualifications with national and international standards.
Dr. Layal Rabee of Lebanon outlined her country's experience in recognizing academic qualifications and proposed a regional Arab platform for information exchange, trust and integration among higher education institutions. 
Head of UNESCO's Higher Education Section in Paris Dr. Noah Webster Sobe highlighted the roadmap's focus on equity, equal opportunities, academic freedom, critical thinking, responsible technology and AI use, international cooperation and sustainability. 
The third session, moderated by UNESCO Doha Regional Office Director Salah Khaled, examined higher education and research in relation to UN Sustainable Development Goals 4.3 and 9.5. Discussions focused on data-driven policies, national research systems and partnerships to expand access to higher education, promote innovation and achieve sustainable development.
The fourth session, moderated by Qatar Foundation's Qatar Leadership Academy Director Dr. Shaker Lashuel, addressed responsible AI use in teaching, learning, research and institutional governance, with emphasis on ethics, digital skills, quality assurance and inclusion. 
Borhene Chakroun opened the session by presenting UNESCO's AI policy guidance and competency framework. 
The fifth session examined university students' health, well-being and resilience, focusing on supportive environments and helping students manage pressures and crises while maintaining academic balance and success. 
Executive Director of the Performance and Digital Excellence Program at Qatar Foundation Sheikha Dr. Ghalia Abdulrahman Al-Thani shared her experience as a doctoral student in managing academic pressures, maintaining mental well-being and continuing her education. 
Dean of Student Affairs at Sultan Qaboos University Dr. Rayya Salim Said Al Manthari presented the university's experience in balancing students' personal lives and academic requirements. 
Director General of University Education at the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education Rabi Abu Shamlah outlined ways to sustain education during crises and shared the Palestinian experience. 
The sixth and final session, moderated by Qatar Career Development Center Senior Career Development Specialist Hamad Al Badr, explored future labor markets, graduate employability, entrepreneurship, innovation and the role of technical and vocational education in preparing for emerging industries and digital transformation. 
The conference brought together more than 400 participants from 19 countries, including university presidents, academics, researchers, practitioners, experts and representatives of regional and international organizations. (QNA)