President of Mansoura University Participates in the Third Arab Universities Twinning Forum at Sohar University in Oman

Prof. Cherif Khater: The Productive University is a Cornerstone of Development in the New Republic and Embodies the Integration Between Education and the National Economy

Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, participated in the opening day of the Third Arab Universities Twinning Forum, organized by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in cooperation with Sohar University in the Sultanate of Oman, under the theme "The Productive University," held from November 12-13, 2025, at Sohar University.

The event was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in the Sultanate of Oman; His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO; Dr. Hamdan bin Sulaiman Al Fazari, President of Sohar University; and a number of university presidents and representatives of Arab and regional organizations and bodies concerned with scientific research and sustainable development.

During the opening session, a short film introducing Sohar University was screened, followed by opening remarks from the Omani Minister of Higher Education, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), and the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. These remarks collectively emphasized the importance of joint Arab cooperation in developing the higher education system and achieving integration between universities and institutions of production and innovation.

In a press statement, Prof. Cherif Khater said that Mansoura University's participation in this international forum underscores its commitment to regional and international engagement and its desire to strengthen its presence in Arab forums that strive to develop higher education and solidify the concept of the productive university as a tool for development and innovation. He further explained that Mansoura University is among the leading universities in Egypt and the Arab world in the fields of applied research, community initiatives, and sustainable development. He noted that the university possesses an advanced research system, a medical sector, and specialized research centers that effectively contribute to supporting the national economy, in addition to its distinction in international rankings, which reflects its prestigious academic standing. He pointed out that the shift towards a productive university aligns with the Egyptian state's vision for building the new republic and the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's strategy, which focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and strengthening the integration between education and the economy. He emphasized the importance of regional and international partnerships in exchanging expertise and developing the Arab higher education system. He also affirmed that the university, through its strategic vision, seeks to achieve integration between education, research, and innovation, supporting the goals of Egypt's Vision 2030 and aligning with ALECSO's efforts to build a leading Arab model for productive universities capable of contributing to the knowledge economy and comprehensive development.

The first day's sessions addressed the theme of "The Productive University: Concept, Dimensions, and Global Models," in addition to discussing topics including modern trends in linking educational outcomes to the labor market, mechanisms for transitioning from the traditional university to the productive university, the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in supporting the competitiveness of Arab universities, and ways to activate partnerships between academic institutions and the industrial sector to achieve sustainable development.

The second day will feature dialogue sessions exploring the investment in scientific research outputs to achieve the concept of the productive university, reviewing Arab and international models, discussing partnerships between universities, industry, and global institutions, and maximizing the benefits of research collaboration as a strategic approach to comprehensive impact. The day will culminate in a closing session with practical recommendations for building an Arab model for productive universities.

The convening of the Third Arab University Twinning Forum is the culmination of the efforts of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in building sustainable Arab partnerships and supporting integration between higher education, scientific research, and innovation systems, stemming from its pioneering role in enhancing the position of Arab universities on the global education map.