New Steps for Higher Education Cooperation Between Turkey and the Arab World

According to statements made at the Higher Education Consultation Meeting in Ankara, Turkey and the Arab world are preparing for a new era in higher education with joint programs and research centers.

New Partnership Era in Higher Education

Council of Higher Education (YÖK) President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar stated that relations between Turkey and the Arab world are aimed to be carried into the future with new partnerships in science and higher education. Within this scope, the cooperation is intended to be placed on a more institutional and sustainable basis.

Mobility and Joint Programs

Within the framework of the decisions made at the meeting, it is planned to increase the mobility of students, academics, researchers, and administrative personnel. Additionally, efforts will be carried out to develop joint undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs between the parties.

Priority Scientific Fields

In the process where the establishment of joint research centers was decided, artificial intelligence, health sciences, engineering, and renewable energy are among the priority areas. Water resources, agriculture, food security, climate change, and digital transformation have also been determined as strategic topics.

Institutional Structuring and Forum

To bring academic cooperation into a regular structure, the creation of the Turkey-Arab Higher Education Forum is envisioned. Furthermore, it is planned to establish a joint Higher Education Working Group consisting of three representatives each from Turkey and the League of Arab States.