University Of Sharjah Hosts C2R Second General Assembly To Enhance Employability And Francophone Education

The University of Sharjah recently hosted the Second General Assembly of the Regional Conference of Rectors in the Middle East (C2R). This event, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, brought together over 50 university presidents globally. The focus was on enhancing employability through skill-based learning and promoting Francophone scientific initiatives by increasing French language use in the Middle East.

Organised with the Association of Francophone Universities (AUF), the conference aimed to foster academic collaboration and develop student exchange programs. It also sought to share scientific advancements among member universities. The University of Sharjah aims to become an international academic hub while supporting AUF's mission to expand Francophone education in the region.

Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University, inaugurated the conference by welcoming participants and conveying greetings from H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi. Prof. Al Naimiy emphasised the University's commitment to international collaboration and highlighted AUF's role in supporting regional academic institutions through educational initiatives.

Dr. Jean-Noël Balieu, AUF's Regional Director, praised the University for hosting the event and discussed technological challenges facing higher education. He announced AUF's plans to launch new initiatives, including integrating Artificial Intelligence in education, to address these challenges collectively.

Professor Slim Khalbous, CEO of AUF, stressed developing strategies to support Francophone universities. He highlighted collaborative efforts needed to enhance AUF's regional role by promoting French language use and fostering an innovative academic environment that encourages cultural exchange and research collaboration.

Dr. Salim Daccache, President of C2R, underscored supporting universities in adopting new curricula to diversify French resources. He emphasised equipping young professionals with linguistic skills for success and integrating AI applications into education to enhance employability.

Workshops and Cultural Activities

The conference featured sessions on fostering entrepreneurship within academia and interdisciplinary research collaboration among member universities. Participating universities engaged in bilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation and establish student exchange programs.

As part of cultural activities, astronomical exhibitions were held at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST). These exhibitions provided insights into advancements in space sciences for participants.

The event concluded with a closed meeting where university presidents reviewed outcomes, made decisions on future projects, and identified next year's conference venue. Attendees included ambassadors, diplomats, delegates from member universities, vice chancellors, and deans from the University of Sharjah.

The University has established partnerships with prestigious Francophone institutions like the University of Luxembourg and Paris-Dauphine University. These collaborations align with His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision for strengthening ties between Arab and Francophone nations through educational initiatives like establishing a Francophonie Center at the University.

This gathering reinforced academic cooperation among Francophone institutions while addressing regional challenges in higher education through collective efforts focused on innovation and cultural exchange.

With inputs from WAM