Türkiye's Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the League of Arab States have launched a new institutional initiative aimed at expanding cooperation in higher education, scientific research and academic exchange.

The initiative was announced during a Higher Education Consultation Meeting held in Ankara, attended by representatives of the League of Arab States and Arab ambassadors.

Speaking at the meeting, YÖK President Erol Özvar said relations between Türkiye and the Arab world are rooted in shared history, strong cultural ties and longstanding people-to-people connections, adding that the initiative seeks to transform those ties into a sustainable partnership in higher education.

Özvar said universities play a central role not only in education but also in scientific research, innovation, human capital development and strengthening long-term cooperation between nations.

Focus on mobility, joint degrees and research

Under the new framework, the two sides aim to increase the mobility of students, academics, researchers and administrative staff while developing joint bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs.

The cooperation agenda also includes establishing joint research centers and scientific networks, as well as strengthening collaboration on quality assurance, accreditation, recognition of qualifications and diploma equivalency procedures.

Priority areas identified for cooperation include artificial intelligence, health sciences, engineering, renewable energy, water resources, agriculture, food security, climate change and digital transformation.

Özvar said the partnership will also encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer and stronger university-industry collaboration to ensure that joint research produces practical outcomes.

Türkiye-Arab Higher Education Forum to be established

As part of the initiative, Türkiye and the League of Arab States agreed to establish the Türkiye-Arab Higher Education Forum, which will be held every two years on a rotating basis in Türkiye and an Arab League member state.

The forum is expected to bring together higher education leaders, university rectors, researchers and policymakers to coordinate academic cooperation and develop long-term strategies.

Joint working group to prepare action plan

The two sides will also establish a joint working group composed of three representatives from each side to prepare a comprehensive action plan.

According to Özvar, the plan will identify priority sectors, proposed activities, participating institutions, possible funding sources and an implementation timetable, aiming to translate the partnership into measurable objectives and concrete projects.

The League of Arab States, founded in 1945, comprises 22 member states and promotes political, economic, cultural and educational cooperation across the Arab world. The new initiative marks one of the most comprehensive higher education cooperation frameworks established between Türkiye and the organization in recent years.(ILKHA)