Written by Zayed Al Zyoud
Edited by Suha Alsubaih
The Erasmus+ Impact Forum and Exhibition 2025 officially opened at the University of Jordan (UJ) under the patronage of the Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Azmi Mahafzah, celebrating a decade of academic exchange and collaborative reform in the higher education sector.
Held in the presence of UJ's Acting President, Prof. Ashraf Abu Karaky, the event brought together university officials, academics, policymakers, European Union representatives, civil society, and industry partners.
In his remarks on behalf of the Minister, Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Mamoun Al-Debi’e, emphasised the strategic significance of the Erasmus+ programme for Jordan’s education reform journey. He described Erasmus+ as an engine of innovation and social progress that aligns seamlessly with Jordan’s national vision for education, particularly in curriculum modernisation, internationalisation, and youth employment.
Al-Debi’e praised the programme’s long-term impact on institutional development, skills enhancement, and academic mobility. He extended appreciation to the European Union for its continued support and to the University for hosting this landmark gathering, which he called “a forum for ideas and a platform for future cooperation.”
UJ' Acting President, Vice President for Scientific Schools at the University of Jordan, Prof. Ashraf Abu Karaky, reflected on the university’s active role in Erasmus+ and how it has shaped student growth beyond the classroom.
“Our students gain more than knowledge; they develop soft skills, self-confidence, and the intercultural awareness needed in today’s interconnected world,” he stated. He also highlighted how the programme supported UJ's efforts to modernise its curricula and teaching, citing improvements in several areas, including digital learning practices and research in fields such as water sustainability and renewable energy.
Director of the National Erasmus+ Office in Jordan, Prof. Ahmad Abu El-Haija, provided a detailed overview of the program's reach and influence, highlighting Jordan’s leading position among Southern Mediterranean countries, with over 8,600 beneficiaries in mobility programs, 62 projects focused on capacity-building in higher education, and 109 Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders. He also stressed how Erasmus+ has transformed institutional strategy, academic culture, and cross-border partnerships.
Abu El-Haija emphasised the program's deeper contribution to reforming teaching methodologies, building stronger ties between universities and the labour market, and empowering youth to meet the demands of a changing global landscape. “Erasmus+ is helping Jordan build a globally engaged, future-ready higher education system,” he said.
Representing the European Union Delegation to Jordan, Team Leader for Governance and Human Development at the Delegation, Mary Horvers, commended Jordan’s journey with Erasmus+, which started with only two projects and has since evolved into a regional success story. “We’ve witnessed remarkable momentum. Erasmus+ has become a bridge between education and employability,” she said. Horvers underscored the value of capacity-building projects in narrowing the gap between academic training and labor market demands, calling the program “a practical tool for sustainable change.”
The forum agenda featured high-level panel discussions on innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, sustainability, health and well-being, and diversity and inclusion. Participants examined how Erasmus+ had influenced institutional policies, modernised curricula, and promoted collaborative models of education that integrate technology, intercultural dialogue, and real-world problem solving.
An interactive exhibition accompanied the forum, showcasing completed Erasmus+ projects from Jordanian universities and partner institutions. Universities such as the University of Jordan, Jordan University of Science and Technology, and Yarmouk University presented initiatives that focused on youth empowerment, academic innovation, and vocational training. NGOs and training centers such as the Azadi International Academy and the Jordan Youth Innovation Forum also participated, reflecting the broader ecosystem influenced by Erasmus+.
One of the highlights was the presentation delivered by Professor Ahmad Abu El-Haija, who reviewed the evolution of Erasmus+ in Jordan and its regional impact. His talk emphasised how the program has become a vehicle for empowering institutions to embrace innovation and foster student-led change.
The event concluded with a closing panel, moderated by Dr. Khalid Khreisat, addressing sustainability strategies for Erasmus+ projects. Experts discussed integrating program results into national frameworks and ensuring long-term impact through institutional networks and cross-sector partnerships.