The Syrian Academic Summit for Innovation, Education, Research, and Reform has commenced at the University of Damascus, under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with the participation of Ministers of Health, Religious Endowments, Agriculture, Finance, and Communications, alongside the President of the University of Damascus, heads of universities and colleges, and the Bar Association.
This summit, the first of its kind post-Assad, brought together over 300 participants from academics, decision-makers, researchers, students, and civil society representatives from inside and outside Syria. The four-day summit aims to formulate a national roadmap for reforming higher education and linking it to reconstruction and sustainable development efforts.
Strategic Step Towards Rebuilding Higher Education
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Marwan al-Halabi announced the launch of the Global Encyclopedia of Higher Education from Damascus, emphasizing that this step carries profound implications and embodies Syria’s commitment to being an active partner in producing human knowledge by linking universities with international education networks and promoting academic freedom and good governance.
He added that the summit represents a genuine start towards building a modern educational system based on innovation and structural reform, stressing that education is Syria’s gateway to a brighter future. The University President affirmed higher education is a beacon of development and an impetus of national renaissance.
Global Encyclopedia of Higher Education
Dr. Mahdi al-Kall, President of Al-Maaref University of Applied Sciences, clarified that the Encyclopedia of Higher Education represents a qualitative step in documenting and developing higher education and enhancing the status of knowledge as a foundation for building societies.
It is the first of its kind in the Arab world and the fourth globally, constituting a national strategic project supporting transparency, data-driven decision-making, and aligning educational outcomes with development needs and labor market demands.
Dr. Hani Harb, President of the Forum, indicated holding the conference comes amid significant challenges following years of marginalization, emphasizing the importance of building free and independent Syrian educational institutions capable of producing knowledge and empowering youth.
Dr. Mustafa Kayali, General Editor of the Encyclopedia, noted “It was implemented at Al-Maaref University as a message to the outside world that the new Syria is open to the world, creating knowledge and contributing to a knowledgeable generation.”
