Deputizing for the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Mamoun Al-Dubai’, inaugurated the activities of the third international week of Yarmouk University, which was organized by the Department of International Relations and Projects. The three-day event witnessed extensive participation of international universities, academic institutions and organizations, and diplomatic missions and cultural attachés from various countries of the world.
Al-Dubai’ declared that the economic modernization will be implemented through eight economic factors, including the factor of leadership and creativity that includes higher education, vocational and technical education and training, research, development and innovation, and small and medium-sized companies and entrepreneurship. He also pointed out that approximately 68,000 graduates complete their university education annually at the national level and that graduates are an asset to Jordan, the region, and the world, stressing the importance of finding solutions for the increasing problem of unemployment. Al-Dubai’ also stressed the importance of e-learning and blended learning strategies at this stage to achieve the desired educational outcomes, highlighting the need to find adequate funding and provide strong and capable management of the quality of education.
The President of the University, Professor Islam Massad, welcomed the participants in the event, which provides a platform for partnerships, scientific and research cooperation, and an opportunity to open channels of communication, encourage dialogue, and exchange the experience between the various participating higher education institutions. He then pointed out that during the activities of the week, several topics will be discussed, such as equity and inclusion in the university, digital transformation in higher education, integrating sustainable development goals into higher education strategies, exchange of students and employees, innovation and employment, and promotion of vocational education and training. He also said that the University's strategic plans are derived from the royal visions of His Majesty King Abdullah II and that Jordan’s higher education requires to keep pace with the rapid technological developments to fulfill the demands and needs of the labor market. He then mentioned that Yarmouk University has developed several new academic programs at all levels, pointing to Yarmouk's interest in strengthening its partnerships and cooperation with various international universities with regard to implementing research projects and exchanging students and employees.
For her part, Margaret Spears, Deputy Director of the United States Agency for International Development in Jordan, USAID, delivered a speech during the opening ceremony, in which she affirmed the interest of the United States government represented by USAID to support Jordan through cooperating with the various institutions of the public and private sectors. She added that the program of preparing teachers before service, which is implemented by USAID in cooperation with four public universities (Yarmouk University, University of Jordan, Mutah University, and Hashemite University), is considered one of the most successful programs executed by the agency. Spears also expressed USAID's pride in implementing such a program, which aims at preparing teachers to enter the classroom and perform the tasks entrusted to them in an adequate manner.
However, during the activities of the week, the Secretary-General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, Dr. Abdullah Al-Mousa, talked about "Biodiversity and Sustainable Development from an Economic Perspective", and Marjorie Cabrol, Director of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Irbid, talked about "Providing Education Opportunities for Refugees in Institutions of higher education".
