Özvar: Our universities have great responsibilities to make our region a place of peace.
Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education, visited Tunisia on October 10-11 to attend the 5th Turkish-Arab University Rectors Congress and hold various meetings. In his opening remarks at the congress, hosted by Tunis El Menar University in collaboration with the Council of Higher Education, the Union of Arab Universities, and the Eurasian University Association, Özvar stated that they had gathered to exchange ideas on higher education and to address common issues in the field of higher education in the global arena.
Özvar emphasized that the congress will provide a unique platform for shaping innovative partnership models. He explained that common problems can be resolved through mutual understanding and cooperation, which is why they are attending this year's meeting with a large academic delegation. Özvar expressed his belief that the views and approaches to be presented in the panels to be held as part of the congress will provide important input for future work. He said, “The Turkish and Arab Universities Congress reflects the great potential in the academic world. The new networks established and to be established among us will activate this potential. In this context, we attach importance to our universities developing concrete and joint research projects.”
Özvar continued:
We desire our region to be a haven of peace. In this regard, our universities bear significant responsibilities. Future generations will likely receive their final education at our universities before entering the workforce. We believe that our universities play a crucial role in establishing and sustaining peace in our region, and in fostering a younger generation with a strong historical awareness and a strong sense of responsibility.
At the opening of the congress, Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Mondher Belaid, Turkish Ambassador to Tunisia Ahmet Misbah Demircan, Arab Scientific Research Council President Abdelmajid Ben Amara, Eurasian Universities Union President (EURAS) Mustafa Aydın, Arab Universities Union Secretary General Amr Ezzat Salama, and Al Manar University Rector Moez Chafra also gave speeches.
The panels were moderated by the rectors of Turkish universities.The congress featured panels titled "Leadership, Governance, and Strategic Partnerships" moderated by Fırat University President Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Göktaş; "Internationalization, Reputation, and Global Engagement" moderated by THK University President Prof. Dr. Rahmi Er and Gebze Technical University President Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar; and "Green Universities and Sustainability Leadership" moderated by Istanbul Technical University President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal and Bahçeşehir University President Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu. The closing session of the congress was held under the title "Arab-Turkish Academic Cooperation: Creating a Shared Vision for Regional Excellence."
MEETING WITH THE MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF TUNISIAÖzvar, President of the Council of Higher Education, met with Mondher Belaid, Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. They agreed to increase cooperation between Turkish and Tunisian universities in developing joint research projects and strengthening student and faculty exchange programs.
As part of their contacts, Özvar and his delegation visited the Tunisian Embassy, meeting with Tunisian Ambassador Ahmet Misbah Demircan and embassy staff. Accompanying Özvar during his visit to Tunisia were Vice President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Naci Gündoğan, Executive Board Member Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak, and university rectors.
UAV
Reporter: News Center
İstanbul Gazetesi
