The second WHERS mini-conference began at the University of Jordan (UJ) today, under the patronage of the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research.

Organized by the UNIRANKS in cooperation with UJ and the Higher Education Ministry, the event is held under the theme "Shaping the Future of Education and Employability" and features attendance from university presidents, school principals, educators, experts, and specialists in the field of education.

In a speech on behalf of the event's patron, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Nawaf Al-Ajarmeh, highlighted that, under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Jordanian government has been striving to transform the traditional vocational education system into a global, advanced technical framework. This new system focuses on mastering skills and achieving competencies to fulfill young people's aspirations by equipping them with the scientific and practical knowledge needed for entering the workforce, with the option of continuing higher education and preparing for future career paths.

UJ President, Prof. Nathir Obeidat, emphasized in his opening speech the importance of excellence and strong competition in achieving goals despite significant challenges. He praised the dedication of the university's students, graduates, faculty, and administrative staff, acknowledging their contributions to building a distinguished reputation for the university in Jordan and abroad.

President of UNIRANKS, Robert Love, stated that UNIRANKS aims to impact the future of global youth by utilizing the right tools and dedicated professionals to empower everyone within the higher education ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of exploring new ways to enhance education, understanding students' experiences, and preparing them for the future job market.

The WHERS Mini Conference in Jordan stems from the global WHERS conference and is part of the career guidance and academic advising initiative launched by UNIRANKS in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and The University of Jordan. The initiative aims to provide students with personal guidance using AI technologies to help them make informed decisions about their studies and future careers.

Conference papers will discuss the latest methods for guiding students toward suitable disciplines and professions, enhancing students' readiness for the job market, and engaging Jordanian universities in this initiative to comprehensively support students in identifying their strengths and interests. The initiative, supported by CareerOneStop and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to equip students to compete in the job market and covers several Arab countries, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

Alongside the conference, a student exhibition is held with wide participation from local and international universities, as well as training and employment companies and institutions. This exhibition enables students to directly connect with educational institutions and companies, providing them with guidance on their future academic and career paths and boosting their chances of building a successful professional future.