Global Challenges, Local Impact: Higher Education's
Role in Shaping a Resilient Future
14th – 16th April, 2026 | Dubai, UAE

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Global Challenges, Local Impact: Higher Education's Role in Shaping a Resilient Future

14th – 16thApril, 2026 | Dubai, UAE

Call for Institutional Case studies

The MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum (MENA-HELF), organized by the Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions (CLICKS) in Dubai, UAE, has established itself as a leading regional platform specifically geared towards higher education leaders and decision-makers from around the world. Since its launch in 2013 as a biennial event, MENA-HELF has brought together over 1,600 higher education leaders from more than 60 countries to explore emerging trends, discuss pressing challenges, and exchange innovative practices that are shaping the future of higher education.

The 7th edition of MENA-HELF, held under the theme “Global Challenges, Local Impact: Higher Education’s Role in Shaping a Resilient Future”, & will take place in person in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on April 15th & 16th, 2025, with pre-forum workshops scheduled for April 14th. This highly interactive gathering will feature a rich and dynamic agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, roundtable dialogues, and hands-on workshops organized to equip participants with actionable insights.

One of the key objectives of the Forum is to share institutional good practices. We invite institutions to submit case studies that highlight how they are addressing global challenges while responding to local needs, adapting to shifting demands, and implementing innovative solutions that create long-term impact. The institutional case studies will provide Higher Education Institutions with a platform to showcase their strategies for resilience, adaptation, and transformation.

We welcome case studies that align with the Forum’s theme and sub-themes. Selected case studies by the technical committee will be presented during the Forum, providing a platform for institutions to engage with peers, exchange insights, and contribute to the ongoing conversation about higher education’s role in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

Extended Abstract Submission Deadline
15th November 2025
Full Paper Submission Deadline
31st December 2025
Final Full Paper Submission Deadline
30th January 2026
Deadline for Authors’ Registration
25th February 2026

Deadline for PowerPoint Presentation Submission
15th March 2026

Download Call for Institutional CASE STUDIES

Topical Guidelines

The Technical Committee of the 7th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum invites higher education leaders and experts to submit original institutional case studies relevant to this year’s theme and sub-themes.

Submitted case studies should align with the Forum’s main theme and one of its sub-themes, offering practical insights and lessons learned that other institutions can adapt and implement within their own contexts.

Authors are kindly requested to specify the sub-theme under which they are submitting their case study when sending their extended abstract.

Sub-Themes and Suggested Topics for Submission to the 7 th MENA HELF

1. Embedding Sustainability and Societal Responsibility in Higher Education

We invite institution case studies that:

  • Highlight innovative approaches to integrating sustainability principles across curriculum and research initiatives.
  • Demonstrate the development and implementation of institutional policies promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
  • Provide examples of successful collaborations between HEIs, government bodies, and industries to drive sustainable solutions aligned with national and global priorities.
  • Showcase university-led initiatives addressing climate change, resource management, and community engagement.

2. Strengthening University-Industry-Government Partnerships for Workforce Readiness

The Technical Committee under this sub-theme, solicits institutional case studies that:

  • Explore strategic collaborations that enhance student employability and align education with workforce demands.
  • Illustrate the implementation of work-integrated learning models, internships, and co-op programs.
  • Demonstrate how universities position themselves within innovation ecosystems to foster entrepreneurship and economic development.
  • Set the ground for policy development and governance frameworks that support industry-academic partnerships.

3. Advancing Digital Transformation and AI-Driven Innovation

The Technical Committee invites institutions to submit case studies that:

  • Showcase how HEIs are leveraging emerging technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and institutional operations.
  • Highlight initiatives aimed at fostering digital literacy among graduates to meet evolving economic demands.
  • Provide examples of the successful implementation of AI-driven tools in curriculum development, assessment, and administrative processes.
  • Examine challenges and successes in adopting digital transformation strategies
    in higher education.

4. Fostering Global Engagement and Social Impact

Institutions are encouraged to submit institutional case studies that:

  • Illustrate effective university-community partnerships promoting social equity, civic engagement, and lifelong learning.
  • Highlight inclusive education models that address diverse student populations and ensure equitable access to learning opportunities.
  • Showcase initiatives that drive regional economic and social development.
  • Provide insights into programs that enhance intercultural competencies, global citizenship, and student mobility.

5. Bridging Higher Education and Employability

The Technical Committee is looking for institutional case studies that:

  • Examine career readiness programs and skills-based curricula that prepare students for an evolving job market.
  • Highlight successful entrepreneurship education models fostering innovation and job creation.
  • Showcase innovative credentialing approaches such as micro-credentials and stackable degrees that recognize diverse competencies.
  • Demonstrate best practices in university-industry collaborations that ensure academic offerings align with labor market needs.

6. Strengthening Leadership and Governance for Institutional Resilience 

This sub-theme calls for institutional case studies that:

  • Explore adaptive leadership strategies that help institutions navigate internal and external pressures.
  • Demonstrate policy development initiatives that promote institutional agility, sustainability, and long-term growth.
  • Showcase governance frameworks that ensure financial sustainability, talent retention, and operational resilience.
  • Provide lessons learned from HEIs managing challenges such as rapid innovation in teaching methodologies and curriculum reform.

Submission Guidelines (Abstract and Full Case Study)

Authors are required to adhere to the following submission guidelines:

Extended Abstract

– An extended abstract of 750 to 1000 words must be submitted by the specified deadline to inquiries@menahelf.com in a MS- word format, using the subject line: “Abstract Submission: Sub-theme #” (please specify the relevant sub-theme).
– The abstract should clearly indicate the sub-theme under which the case study is submitted.
– To ensure consistency, abstracts should include a summary of the following sections:

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce the institution and the context of the case study.
  • Problem Statement or Challenge: Identify the global and/or local issue that the institution sought to address.
  • Approach or Initiative: Describe the strategy, project, or innovation implemented to tackle the challenge.
  • Outcomes and Impact: Highlight key results and the effect on the institution, students, faculty, or stakeholders.
  • Lessons Learned: Summarize key takeaways and insights that can benefit other institutions.

– Authors should include up to 10 key words to describe the case study, which will be used for indexing and web searches.
– Submitted abstracts will be reviewed by the Technical Committee, and authors will be notified of their acceptance. Authors may be asked to refine certain aspects before proceeding with the full case study submission.

Full Case Study Requirements

– The full case study should be between 12 to 15 pages in length, excluding references and appendices.
– The document should be submitted in MS-Word format, single-spaced, using 12-point Arial font.
– The title should be centered, bold, and in all capital letters; text and subheadings should be left-aligned.
– A separate title page should include:

  • Author(s) title, full name(s), affiliation(s), country, and email address.

Case Study Content

The case study should include in line with the submitted extended abstract:

  • Background of the institution(s) involved
  • Context of the case study – What global and/or local challenges does it address? What problem or opportunity led to the initiative? Include relevant examples where possible.
  • Goals and intended outcomes of the initiative.
  • Implementation strategy and action plan undertaken by the institution(s).
  • Results and outcomes achieved as a result of implementation.
  • Reflections and lessons learned – The final section should ideally present a bulleted list of key takeaways, including recommendations (both positive and negative) for other institutions considering similar initiatives.

Formatting and Referencing

  • References must follow the Harvard Referencing Style and should be carefully checked for completeness, accuracy, and consistency.
  • Figures and tables should be placed within the text and numbered consecutively.
  • Figure/Table captions should be left-aligned, in 10-point font, and positioned at the top. Legends should be concise and should define any acronyms, abbreviations, or symbols used.
  • If figures, charts, or tables require additional clarity, authors may be asked to submit high-resolution versions separately in PNG, JPEG, or Excel format if needed.

Submission and Review Process

  • Full case studies for accepted abstracts must be emailed to inquiries@menahelf.com by the final submission deadline.
    o All submissions will undergo a blind peer review by the Technical Committee, which will provide feedback and request amendments if necessary.
  • Authors must incorporate any required changes and resubmit the final manuscript by the deadline to ensure inclusion in the Forum’s proceedings. Late submissions may not be considered.
  • Each case study must be presented by the author in one of the dedicated sessions of the Forum, scheduled for the afternoon of April 15th and/or April 16th, 2026.
  • If a case study has multiple authors, at least one must be registered for the Forum to ensure inclusion in the program.
  • Submissions that do not comply with the submission guidelines will be rejected.

2. Presentation Guidelines

  • Authors of accepted case studies will be invited to deliver a 15-minute presentation during the Forum.
  • Case studies not presented by at least one of the authors will not be included in the program. At least one author must be fully registered by the deadline specified under the “Important Deadlines” section.
  • Presentations should provide concrete examples and insights to stimulate discussion with the audience. Authors should consider the following:
    – Presentation Format: Authors may choose to present their case study using PowerPoint slides or a poster presentation, depending on what best suits their content.
    – Time Allocation: Each presentation is strictly limited to 15 minutes, followed by a Q&A session moderated by the session chair.
    – If multiple authors are involved, they must share the allotted time—no additional time will be granted.
  • Authors of approved case studies will receive detailed information regarding their presentation schedule once their submission is accepted. They must confirm their participation by completing their online registration.
  • All PowerPoint presentations must be submitted by the specified deadline.
    – Figures and tables should be embedded within the presentation, but high-resolution versions may be requested separately if needed.

Important Deadlines

Early Bird Individual & Group Registration

Prior 30th December, 2021

Abstract and Full Paper Submission Deadline

20th January, 2022

Final Full Paper Submission Deadline

15th February, 2022

Deadline for PowerPoint Presentation Submission

1st March, 2022

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