His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Moaddi bin Muhammad Aal Madh-hab, participated in the 24^th Forum of Presidents and Directors of Universities and Higher Education Institutions in the GCC states. The forum was hosted by Jazan University over two days, on 6 and 7 October 2021 A.C., and was presided by the President of Jazan University, Prof. Marei bin Hussein Al-Qahtani.

The main session witnessed discussions on a number of themes, reviewing the working papers concerned with the development of the educational process in universities and activating their societal role, in addition to enhancing means of joint cooperation. During the session, the attendees stressed the importance of focusing on the education curricula in the areas of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and empowering women and youth in the fields of higher education and scientific research. The need of universities and institutions of higher education and scientific research to conduct scientific research that uses advanced technology in the areas of water and food security was also highlighted, along with energy provision and finding solutions to infectious and non-communicable diseases and methods of developing pathways for innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education in the GCC countries, The forum further emphasized the importance of preserving the gains achieved through e-learning, even after the pandemic, activating e-services, and expanding the use of artificial intelligence applications in higher education institutions. Moreover, the participants noted the importance of stimulating innovation among young researchers, focusing on scientific research in sustainable development, innovations, and inventions, expanding cooperation with international and regional organizations in the field of exchanging experiences and information, and adopting an electronic communication platform in universities and higher education institutions in the GCC countries.

This forum comes in implementation of the decision of the GCC Supreme Council in its sixth session, held at Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman in 1985. It calls on higher and university education institutions in the GCC countries to adopt the council’s decisions with regard to contributing to the development of higher and university education, with the aim of strengthening cooperation among the GCC states in the fields of education in general and higher education in particular, and supporting the process of joint cooperation between universities and educational institutions in building a developed Gulf society.

The UQU Vice President, Prof. Farid bin Ali Al-Ghamdi, participated in the work of the preparatory meeting for the universities yesterday, Wednesday, in the presence of the representatives of the Gulf universities.

His Excellency the UQU President, Moaddi bin Muhammad Aal Madh-hab, expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to Jazan University for their hospitality and for hosting the forum. He lauded the efforts made to make the meeting a success and achieve its goals, stressing the importance of continuing and developing relations between the GCC universities and the continuation of holding such forums aimed at making the educational and research system in universities successful.