Madaba, Sept. 10 (Petra) -- The German Jordanian University (GJU) hosted the third Jordanian-Syrian Dialogue Forum on Higher Education Development on Thursday, bringing together representatives of higher education and research institutions, international organizations and donor bodies under the Syrian Innovation in Academia (SyrIA) project, with support from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The forum aims to move from assessing the needs of Syrian higher education institutions to identifying priorities and exploring cooperation and funding opportunities, to strengthen partnerships between universities and international donors to support the recovery, development and sustainability of Syria's higher education sector, according to a GJU statement.
GJU Vice President for International Affairs and SyrIA project Ralf Roßkopf said developing higher education is a cornerstone of recovery and reconstruction. He noted that a fact-finding review of eight Syrian universities found clear academic commitment despite operational challenges.
Roßkopf said Syrian universities identified the top priorities, including staff development, governance and project management, digital transformation, the internationalization of scientific research, stronger labor market links, and physical and digital infrastructure upgrades.
Director General of Syria's Higher Commission for Scientific Research (HCSR) Nabil Kochaji outlined key needs and proposed projects, focusing on infrastructure and laboratory rehabilitation, digital transformation and governance, human capacity building, innovation and entrepreneurship, labor market integration, and the health, agriculture, and food security sectors.
Participants also discussed DAAD funding and support opportunities and the potential to convert the forum's priorities into implementable projects and partnerships.
SyrIA Co-Principal Investigator and project manager Dhiah Abou-Tair stressed the importance of continuing to translate the dialogue's outcomes into sustainable academic partnerships and practical initiatives.
Representatives of the Jordanian-Syrian Business Council also took part in efforts to strengthen dialogue between the higher education sector and the economic and professional sectors and support future cooperation.
//Petra// NQ
