​The University of Jordan (UJ) President, Prof. Nathir Obeidat, participated, alongside more than 100 presidents of Arab and Islamic universities, in the International Association of Universities Conference 2023, hosted by Qatar University from November 25 to 27.

The event, held under the theme: "'Higher Education with Impact: The Importance of Intercultural Learning and Dialogue," was attended by a significant number of higher education officials from all around the world.

Through dynamic sessions, the Conference explores, how universities worldwide work to enhance and support learning and dialogue between cultures. It also discusses the impact of political geography on this goal and the broader influence universities have on society.

UJ Vice Presidents Prof. Ashraf Abu Karaki, and Prof. Nahid Omeish, also took part in the conference's three principal sessions. These sessions covered the cultural necessity in a world moving away from globalization, opening knowledge for the benefit of humanity in an interconnected world, the impact of political geography on the future of international cooperation, and various working sessions.

Obeidat stated that the UJ aims to strengthen effective partnerships and expand collaboration with various stakeholders, especially with businesses and industries, and to play an active role in the educational and research processes leading to development and prosperity, bridging the gap between academic and research outputs and the needs of the local, regional, and global markets and societies.

He highlighted the University's commitment, in its new strategic plan and digital-oriented directions aligned with the United Nations' nineteen Sustainable Development Goals, to make a qualitative leap in contemporary higher education. This includes increasing the impact of both scientific research and educational programs, aiming to create new directions that promote values of love, ethics, civic responsibility, transparency, and incorporate them into these programs and activities.

Qatar University President, Prof. Omar Al-Ansari, said in a press statement:"Our efforts to foster intercultural learning and competence is not only limited to how we view others. In fact, we believe evolving as individuals is necessary for understanding them and is also important to leading change and creating impact on a greater scale.”

In a related context, President Obeidat is participating in the activities of the Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD) group to exchange practices and strategies aimed at achieving sustainable development goals in different universities within the group. The group, established in 2018, works to support and enhance the role of educational institutions in building more sustainable communities, comprising universities from around the world affiliated with the International Association of Universities. They collaborate to develop current and future initiatives contributing to the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.