Qatar University (QU) launches the 15th General Assembly of the Conference of Rectors in the Middle East Region (CONFREMO) and 1st General Conference of C2R Middle East, which is held in Qatar for the first time.

QU President, Dr. Omar Al-Ansari said in his opening statement, “We have the utmost pleasure of having gathered the presidents and rectors of leading francophone universities in the region, to represent a diverse range of knowledge and experience, and we remain committed to our role. We will continue to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaborative initiatives, and academic excellence, and we are certain that this conference will result in meaningful recommendations that can serve us and other universities in the region.”

Referencing QU’s inclusion into the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), Dr. Omar Al-Ansari says, “The AUF’s vision inspires us as an institution to promote an interdependent French speaking university-based community committed to the social, economic and cultural development of society in developing the culture and practice of intercultural communication. We join the ranks alongside 1000 universities, and we greatly value the opportunity to be able to further our collaborations with the organization and with the Francophone world.”

He adds, “We hosted earlier this week the International Association of Universities conference under the theme of “The Importance of Intercultural Learning and Dialogue” and the part universities must take. We discussed the best practices from global universities, and we look forward to exchanging ideas and thoughts to further our intercultural collaboration, not only to address the challenges the world is facing, but also the challenges higher education institutions have.”

Cesar Wazen, Director of International Affairs Office at QU said, “As soon as QU joined the AUF in 2019, it pledged to be in line with its policy of being an active member in every network it is part of. In that perspective, the university won the bid of hosting the 15th Conference of Rectors in the Middle East Region (CONFREMO) last year and invited the presidents and rectors of the leading francophone universities in the region to discuss areas of common interest for francophone universities in a changing global landscape. We are honored to serve as a platform for those discussions and we hope that the QU event will come up with recommendations that can serve other universities in the region.”

Slim Khalbous, Rector of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) said, “Thanks to the organizing committee and organizers, I would like to seize the opportunity to welcome all the ambassadors from the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the guests. The AUF is one of the most important agencies and we have the great pleasure of being on the receiving end of many universities expressing their desire to join the AUF and this is really heartening, and we are very happy with this multilingual trend.” As part of the conference opening Slim Khalbous also gave an in-depth presentation on the AUF strategy.

Jean-Noël Baléo, Regional Director of the AUF in the Middle East, “The assembly today features many speakers and will be dedicated to a variety of topics, how to confront different ideas and how to come up with solutions. The Middle East is witnessing some hardships and has gone through many difficulties but given the resilience of the presidents of the universities we will be able to surmount all the challenges and that’s why we must engage in constructive and fruitful debate.”

Prof. Lara Karam Boustany, President of the Universite La Sagesse in Lebanon and President of CONFREMO, “There are many players and stakeholders involved for us to gather here today and I must thank the QU community for their warm welcome to all members. I would also like to seize the opportunity to welcome all the Francophone ambassadors. The presence of presidents here today is proof of the engagement and commitment and to show how the Middle East is unified. Today we are discussing the future, and it is our duty to think about AI playing a big role in the revolution on the job market and university curricula and assessing our professors and educators within the scientific Francophonie, in light of the requirements of quality assurance and university rankings.” Prof. Lara Boustany also noted that this assembly will give way to look back on the past few years.

Prof. Slim Khalbous, Recteur of AUF, commented on QU, saying, “This strategic shift towards embracing diverse cultures, particularly Western culture, marks a significant milestone for Qatar University's development. This openness is seen as pivotal not only for the university's growth but also for Qatar's broader progress, fostering an environment that accommodates diverse worldviews. On a more personal note, as an Arab, specifically a Tunisian, I am so poud of Qatar University

In this Occasion, Daniel Tanase, the Ambassador of Romania to Qatar, praised the event, remarking, “The AUF Middle East conference serves as a pivotal platform, uniting minds across borders to advance the frontiers of Francophone collaboration. It's a testament to the vibrant exchange of ideas, innovation, and collective dedication toward fostering academic excellence in this dynamic and culturally rich region.” He added, “QU's remarkable infrastructure offers a platform for students not just in Qatar but globally, nurturing academic pursuits, shaping compelling professional pathways, and embodying excellence in education within the Gulf region.”

Highlighting the significance of the conference, Prof. Kossay Al-Ahmady, President of University of Mosul, Iraq, stated, “The AUF conference hosted by QU marks a pivotal annual gathering. It serves as a platform fostering collaboration and exchange among institutions, vitalizing higher education standards and initiatives.” He added, “QU’s global reputation and importance in the Arab world are undeniable. As Mosul University seeks potential collaborations, QU's esteemed reputation presents an opportunity for mutual benefits. We envision fruitful joint programs between our institutions, aiming for shared success and advancement in academia.”

Prof. Al-Hadi Mohammed Ibrahim, President of Al-Neelain University, Sudan, stated, “This conference serves as a platform for evaluating projects and presenting new initiatives. The conscious union formed here renews projects of paramount importance to French-speaking departments in Arab universities.” Moreover, he praised QU, saying, “Describing QU goes beyond its stature as a university; it is an institution of grandeur. Since our arrival, the university's commitment has been exemplary, extending even into hotel rooms. I wish them success in their leadership and administration, alongside the progress of the state of Qatar.”

Expressing her enthusiasm, Prof. Dima El-Husseini, Faculty of Applied Languages, Université Française d’Égypte, The French University of Egypt (UFE), Egypt, said, “The participation in the AUF Conference marks the culmination of two years leading the Digital Governance and Tools Strategy Committee. These collective efforts, supported by the AUF, hold significant benefit and are poised to elevate the agency's influence in the Middle East. Collaborative initiatives among Middle Eastern universities, spanning technological advancements and content-related fields, fortified by collaborations with French universities, are set to propel educational processes forward, fostering mutual growth and development.”

She added, “QU has been a delightful discovery for me in my first experience in this brotherly country. The celebratory atmosphere and the genuine commitment to progress, evident from the moment I stepped in, are truly inspiring. The university's commitment to educational depth, strategic development, and overall institutional advancement is commendable. The palpable reality and tangible progress observed here are compelling, fostering an environment that encourages and fuels collaboration.”

Prof. Dr. Alyaa Abbas AL-Attar, The Northern Technical University, Iraq, lauded QU's commitment to education, saying, “QU's commitment to cutting-edge education and global connectivity shines through its remarkable development, diverse curricula, and forward-thinking departments. Our experience here is a testament to its dedication to progress and innovation in academia.”

Prof. Georges N. NEHME, Presidents for Sagesse University, Beirut, praised the conference, affirming, “This conference, an annual gathering under the AUF's umbrella, serves as a pivotal platform for uniting university leaders. It is a space where we collectively address challenges and foster cooperation among institutions, enriching higher education by embracing global standards and best practices.” He continued, “QU shines brightly, both regionally and globally, with an impeccable reputation. Our visit to its campus highlighted the exceptional facilities and student-centric amenities. Undoubtedly, QU deserves immense recognition for its relentless investments and efforts, positioning itself as one of the leading universities worldwide.”

For his part, Prof. Salim Daccache, Rector, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, commended QU, expressing, “QU stands as a shining example of educational excellence and prestige in the MENA region. We are honored to have their esteemed president and dean among us, signifying our dedication to fostering inter-university partnerships. We are proud of it.” Moreover, he added, “60 prestigious universities, particularly those have French-speaking departments, are participating in the “CONFERMO” conference that AUF is organizing today. The event spotlights the evolving educational landscape in MENA, focusing on the pivotal transition to digital systems within academic institutions. This shift serves as the cornerstone for our collective journey towards educational innovation, fostering enhanced collaboration and reliance among participants and ultimately driving collective progress.”

Dr. Rasha Hattab, representing the University of Sharjah and HE Dr. Hameed Majoul Al Naemi, President of the University of Sharjah, expressed eagerness for collaboration, stating, “QU, renowned in the Gulf, extends a warm and hospitable welcome that I greatly appreciate. Our membership in the AUF aligns us with QU's membership, paving the way for potential collaboration between our institutions.”

For his part, Prof. Rahmat Sotudeh-Gharebagh, University of Tehran representative at the AUF, reflected on the progress, stating “The AUF's conference, impeccably organized by the University of Qatar, promises fruitful discussions and collaborative programs. The hosting ensures a platform for enjoyable and enriching experiences, facilitating comprehensive exchange among participants.” In addition, he added, “Reflecting on a previous visit in 2005 as a visiting professor, I've witnessed remarkable changes at QU. The strides in infrastructure and the recruitment of highly qualified scientists worldwide signify substantial progress. It's evident that the university is continuously evolving and improving.”

Dr. Abdulnaser A M Fakhrou, Assistant Professor of Special Education, College of Education at QU, emphasized, “The AUF conference underscores a pivotal aspect in steering the path of global higher education. The emphasis on university blocs to fortify collective strength signifies a shift from individual competitiveness to cohesive alliances.

The conference's presentation provided a clear blueprint for integrating university groups, fostering cooperation among institutions, addressing educational deficiencies, particularly in regions like Africa, and strategizing the training of educators on a global scale.” He continued, “QU stands prominently as a leader in shaping the future of education on a global scale. Its forward-thinking approach and influential role in educational advancements exemplify the right path forward. As QU continues to excel in this arena, its prospective trajectory hints at playing an increasingly significant role in the years ahead, consolidating its position as a beacon of innovation and progress in the realm of higher education.”