7th MENA-HELF Theme
Global Challenges, Local Impact:
Higher Education's Role in Shaping a Resilient Future
14th – 16th April, 2024 | Dubai, UAE
The world is undergoing profound and rapid transformations, reshaping economies, societies, and industries at an unprecedented pace. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are uniquely positioned to respond to these shifts, not only by preparing future generations but also by driving innovation, knowledge creation, and social progress. Issues such as climate change, digital disruption, economic uncertainty, shifting workforce demands, and geopolitical instability are redefining the role of universities and their responsibility toward students, societies, and economies.
According to the OECD (2023), the global demand for skills is evolving, with increasing emphasis on adaptability, digital literacy, and complex problem-solving.
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025 provides valuable insights into the evolving workforce needs. It highlights the rapid transformation of labor markets, driven by technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, as well as the green transition. By 2030, technological progress is projected to create approximately 170 million new jobs while displacing around 92 million, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs globally (WEF, 2025). Additionally, 22% of current jobs are expected to undergo significant changes due to automation,
necessitating workforce adaptation and upskilling.
The report underscores a rising demand for AI and machine learning specialists, sustainability specialists, and data analysts and scientists, while traditional administrative and manual labor roles—such as cashiers, ticket clerks, administrative assistants, and data entry clerks—are expected to decline. Moreover, employers predict that by 2030, 39% of workers’ core skills will need to change, reinforcing the urgency for HEIs to embed future-oriented skill development into their curricula to ensure graduate employability and adaptability in an evolving global economy.
At the same time, UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report (2023) highlights the urgent need to address disparities in access to quality education, particularly in regions experiencing rapid demographic shifts. While technological advancement creates new opportunities, it also risks exacerbating inequalities if education systems fail to equip students with relevant skills.
The Arab region stands at a critical juncture. With one of the world’s youngest populations—where over 60% are under the age of 30, according to the World Bank (2023)—and a rapidly evolving job market, HEIs must go beyond traditionaleducation to become catalysts for social, economic, and technological advancement.
The transition toward knowledge-driven economies necessitates a strategic focus on developing skills aligned with future labor market needs. As emphasized by the World Bank, investments in higher education are essential for fostering innovation, promoting entrepreneurship, and driving sustainable development across the region.
All these changes imply the necessity for HEIs to rethink curricula and pedagogical approaches to ensure graduates are equipped with relevant competencies while also working toward greater inclusivity in education. To achieve this, fostering close collaboration with industry and governments is essential, ensuring that educational programs remain aligned with evolving labor market demands, technological advancements, and national development priorities. At the same time navigate internal pressures, including ensuring financial sustainability, attracting and retaining top talent, addressing diverse stakeholder needs, adapting governance structures, and continuously innovating teaching and learning methodologies.
The International Association of Universities (IAU) Global Survey Report (2023) reveals that many HEIs struggle with agility and responsiveness to emerging global trends. To address this, institutions must integrate global perspectives—such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, and digitalization—while tailoring their strategies to the unique socio-economic and cultural contexts of the MENA region.
The 7th MENA Higher Education Leadership Biennial Forum, established in 2013, is a one of the leading global events happening in the region that brings together experts, policymakers and university leaders from over 50 countries. It serves as a dynamic platform for critical dialogue on how HEIs can effectively navigate global disruptions while ensuring local impact and resilience. The forum will feature a thoughtfully designed program which will foster engagement, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. The three-day program will involve:
- Plenary Sessions and Keynote Addresses: Featuring renowned thought leaders from across the globe who will provide strategic insights on the future of higher education and institutional transformation.
- Panel Discussions: Engaging discussions on critical challenges and opportunities facing universities, with diverse perspectives from multiple stakeholders, including industry representatives and community leaders.
- Fireside Chats: Thought-provoking, informal conversations with distinguished speakers, offering unique insights into pressing issues and future trends in higher education
- Roundtables and Workshops: Interactive sessions designed to foster dialogue and the exchange of best practices, with a focus on practical solutions and actionable outcomes.
- Institutional Case Study Presentations: Showcasing innovative and successful models from universities across the globe.
- The Zairi Awards for Excellence in Higher Education: Celebrating the winners of the 5th cycle of this prestigious award, recognizing institutions that have demonstrated exceptional innovation and impact, with a focus on measurable results and sustainable practices.
- Exhibition: Providing a venue for various higher education service providers – including EdTech companies, publishers, research centers, and solution providers—to showcase their contributions to the sector, emphasizing technological advancements and collaborative partnerships.
- Networking Opportunities: Time during coffee breaks, lunches, and social events, providing attendees with the chance to connect, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations in an engaging and relaxed environment
Key Sub-Themes
1. Embedding Sustainability and Societal Responsibility in Higher Education
HEIs play a critical role in addressing climate change, resource management, and sustainable development while ensuring social responsibility. Discussions will focus on integrating sustainability across curricula, research, and institutional policies while fostering partnerships with governments and industries to drive sustainable solutions that align with national and global development priorities.
2. Strengthening University-Industry-Government Partnerships for Workforce Readiness
With rapid shifts in the global job market, technological advancements, and economic uncertainties, HEIs must work closely with industry and governments to ensure their graduates are equipped with future-ready competencies. This sub-theme will explore strategic collaborations, work-integrated learning models, and the role of universities in innovation ecosystems to align education with workforce demands.
3. Advancing Digital Transformation and AI-Driven Innovation
The increasing influence of AI, automation, and data-driven learning is reshaping the educational landscape. This sub-theme will examine how HEIs can leverage emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning, improve institutional operations, and foster digital literacy among graduates to meet the demands of evolving economies.
4. Fostering Community Engagement and Social Impact
Universities must go beyond traditional education and actively contribute to social equity, civic engagement, and lifelong learning. This sub-theme will explore university-community partnerships, inclusive education models, and how HEIs can drive regional economic and social development, particularly in the Arab region, where demographic shifts present both challenges and opportunities.
5. Cultivating Global Citizenship, Cultural Competence, and Internationalization
As HEIs operate in an increasingly interconnected world, students must develop intercultural competencies, ethical leadership, and a global mindset. Discussions will focus on international collaboration, student mobility, and globalized education strategies to ensure graduates can navigate diverse socio-economic and geopolitical landscapes.
6. Strengthening Leadership and Governance for Institutional Resilience
Given the internal and external pressures HEIs face—such as financial sustainability, talent retention, governance challenges, and rapid innovation in teaching methodologies—this sub-theme will explore adaptive leadership, policy development, and governance frameworks that enable institutions to remain agile, resilient, and forward-thinking.
References and Sources:
- OECD (2023). Global Skills Outlook. https://www.oecd.org/education/
- UNESCO (2023). Global Education Monitoring Report. https://en.unesco.org/gem-report
- World Bank (2023). Youth and Higher Education in MENA. https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/mena
- International Association of Universities (IAU) Global Survey Report (2023). https://www.iau-aiu.net/
- World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025. https://www.weforum.org/reports/future-of- jobs-report-2025, HEIs can align their strategies with the demands of a rapidly evolving world, ensuring that higher education remains a driver of innovation, resilience, and economic growth in the MENA region and beyond.
