Workshop Overview

In the MENA region, higher education institutions serve as bridges between global knowledge systems and local socio-economic needs. Our universities face unique challenges: rapid demographic shifts, economic diversification pressures, geopolitical complexities, climate adaptation needs, and the imperative to preserve cultural identity while embracing innovation.

This 3-hour interactive workshop introduces a Advance HE’s Leadership Framework specifically designed for higher education leaders who must navigate global uncertainties while delivering transformative local impact.

MENA higher education institutions operate at the intersection of:

• Economic transformation (Vision 2030 initiatives, knowledge economy transitions)
• Cultural preservation (maintaining identity while embracing globalization)
• Regional stability (managing geopolitical tensions and refugee populations)
• Climate resilience (addressing water scarcity, extreme weather, sustainability)
• Youth empowerment (serving large youth populations with high aspirations)
• Digital transformation (bridging digital divides while leveraging technology)

The Leadership Framework

This framework integrates three critical dimensions specifically relevant to MENA higher education:

1. Global Awareness, Local Relevance
• Understanding international trends while addressing regional priorities
• Building partnerships that serve both global and local needs
• Translating global knowledge into locally meaningful solutions

2. Cultural Intelligence & Adaptive Capacity
• Leading across diverse cultural contexts within the MENA region and beyond
• Balancing tradition and innovation in institutional decision-making
• Building inclusive environments that honour diversity while fostering unity

3. Sustainable Impact & Legacy Building
• Creating institutions that can withstand economic and political volatility
• identifying and developing leaders – talent pipelines
• Building sustainable partnerships across borders and sectors

Workshop Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Assess current leadership capacity and use of the Framework and it’s importance to global HE
• Identify key global challenges most relevant to their institutional context
• Develop strategies for creating local impact while maintaining global connections
• Build collaborative networks with fellow MENA higher education leaders

Workshop Structure (3 Hours)

Hour 1: Understanding higher education leadership and the rationale for a Framework
Hour 2: Deep Dive into the Framework
Hour 3: Application and Action Planning

Expected Outcomes

Individual Level

• Enhanced self-awareness of leadership strengths and development areas
• Clear understanding of leadership principles and the Framework
• Personal development plan with specific, measurable goals

Institutional Level

• Assessment of current institutional resilience capacity
• More aware of Strategic partnerships for enhanced impact
• Consider the Implementation roadmap for resilient leadership practices

Regional Level

• Strengthened network of MENA higher education leaders
• Shared commitment to collaborative problem-solving
• Foundation for ongoing regional leadership development initiatives