From the heart of the University of Jordan (UJ), and under the theme "Higher Education in the Era of Rapid Transformation," the University on Saturday inaugurated the second edition of the Honorary Professors’ Forum, the largest academic, scientific, and intellectual gathering organized by the institution to date.

The forum is held under the patronage of the Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Azmi Mahafzah, and witnessed wide participation from distinguished scholars, academics, and experts representing prestigious institutions from around the world.

In his address, Mahafzah emphasized that honorary professors are a vital intellectual resource whose expertise must be leveraged to inform policy making, guide scientific research, and foster international academic partnerships. He further underscored the Ministry’s firm belief in the central role of honorary professors in shaping educational visions and addressing global transformations, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

He also noted that the forum offers a valuable platform for coordination and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening scientific research, innovation, and cross-border academic engagement—key priorities within the Ministry’s strategic agenda and the broader framework of the Economic Modernization Vision.

UJ President, Prof. Nathir Obeidat, stressed that the forum constitutes a significant step toward fostering dialogue and partnership among scholars, particularly in light of the profound changes shaping the global landscape.

Obeidat spoke of the university’s commitment to intellectual freedom, creativity, and academic excellence, asserting that universities must champion innovation, critical thinking, and independent thought to address the major challenges of our time, among them climate change, the evolution of artificial intelligence, and the safeguarding of shared human values.

Obeidat called on educators not to leave future generations unprepared, highlighting the importance of equipping students with sound knowledge, solid research skills, and an open intellectual horizon. “Quality education,” he asserted, “remains the most effective enabler in navigating unprecedented global transformations and narrowing the gap between advanced and developing economies.”

On behalf of the honorary professors, Professor Philip G. Jessop from Queen’s University, Canada, delivered a keynote speech in which he praised the forum for creating space for meaningful academic exchange and cross-cultural learning.

Reflecting on his teaching experience at the UJ, Jessop commended the students for their intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. He expressed his hope for expanded cooperation between the University of Jordan and Queen’s University in areas such as student and faculty exchange, and highlighted joint research efforts with UJ faculty in the field of green chemistry, including the development of environmentally friendly technologies and innovative solutions for climate and energy challenges.

This year’s forum brings together about 80 distinguished scholars from globally renowned institutions, all of whom have been awarded the title of Honorary Professor in recognition of their outstanding contributions to academia, scientific innovation, and institutional development.

The forum seeks to build a robust scientific platform that facilitates the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and interdisciplinary collaboration. It also aims to strengthen ties between academia and industry by promoting entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and strategic research partnerships with the private sector.

Moreover, the event provides an opportunity to address emerging global challenges in higher education, explore the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence into teaching and learning, and foster leadership competencies among current and future educational leaders.

Through this initiative, the University reaffirms its role as a leading academic institution and a regional hub for intellectual and scientific advancement. The forum stands as a testament to the University’s enduring commitment to excellence, its openness to innovation, and its dedication to building bridges of knowledge with the world’s foremost scholars.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, Obeidat presented a shield of appreciation to Mahafzah in recognition of the Ministry’s continued support of the University. He also honored a number of participating honorary professors for their distinguished academic contributions, which have played a pivotal role in advancing the University’s global standing and scientific output.