Tunisia is hosting the fifth Congress of Arab and Turkish University Presidents on October 10–11, organised by the Association of Arab Universities and the Eurasian Universities Union.
More than 160 academic leaders and experts from Arab countries and Turkey are attending the event, which aims to strengthen cooperation in research and education, promote innovation and digital technologies, and encourage scientific exchange between participating institutions. The ultimate goal is to advance higher education and scientific research across the Arab world.
Moez Chafra, President of the Conference of Tunisian University Presidents and member of the Executive Board of the Association of Arab Universities, described the forum as “a pivotal step in building sustainable and multilateral academic partnerships.” He stressed that these partnerships encompass training, scientific research, and academic mobility.
The congress will culminate in the adoption of the “Tunis Declaration,” which calls for the creation of a joint Arab-Turkish digital platform dedicated to sharing expertise, exchanging experiences, and coordinating research projects.
Among the key outcomes of the forum is the announcement of a dual-degree system between Arab and Turkish universities. The initiative will allow students to complete part of their studies in each country and obtain either two separate degrees or a joint one recognised by both partner institutions—a move expected to enhance academic mobility and mutual recognition of qualifications within the Arab-Turkish education space.
Chafra also noted that Tunisian universities, like many Arab institutions, apply international quality and accreditation standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 22001. This, he said, paves the way for a broader Arab-Turkish partnership in developing innovative and competitive university programs.
MK/lb/as/APA