At the 5th Annual Conference of the Arab Organization of Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA 2013)
Abu-Ghazaleh Calls on Establishing a Pan-Arab Quality Systems and Accreditation
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stated that AROQA has attained a certain level of development towards developing quality education and it is important for the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education – AROQA to make use of its current potential in strengthening quality systems and developing accreditation in cooperation with international accreditation agencies
TUNIS---- January 2, 2014---- His Excellency Dr. Moncef Bin Salem, Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research received His Excellency Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of the Arab Organization of Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA) and discussed programs and activities of AROQA. Meanwhile, AROQA held its 5th Annual Conference "AROQA 2013" under the Patronage of His Excellency Dr. Moncef Bin Salem, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Tunisia and chaired by HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh with the participation of the League of Arab States, experts, researchers and academics.
The Minister stressed on the importance of the meeting on regional and global levels due to the high level of participants which creates an excellent opportunity for Arab researchers to benefit from experts and academics in various fields.
He added that it also features an effective and wide participation of decision-makers from governments, institutions, academia and non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations with the aim of providing a platform to motivate and encourage partnerships and the sharing of best practices to integrate networks of scientific research with global networks.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stated that AROQA has attained a certain level of development towards developing quality education and it is important for the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education – AROQA to make use of its current potential in strengthening quality systems and developing accreditation in cooperation with international accreditation agencies.
HE Faeqa Al Saleh expressed her happiness in taking part in the event which focuses on quality by implementing latest technology in education adding that the General Secretariat of the Arab League, appreciates the work of AROQA in supporting and strengthening the field of education, scientific research and quality assurance in education in the Arab world.
Mr. Kamel Abraham, World Bank Human Resources Coordinator for Morocco and Middle East and North Africa stressed on the effort of AROQA in connecting all research centers and in providing an excellent opportunity for sharing knowledge and information.
AROQA 2013 has set among its priorities, the development of pan-Arab quality systems and accreditation, coordination with national quality assurance and accreditation commissions in the Arab countries, and enhancement of cooperation with international organizations in a wide range of activities.
The following represent the main conclusions:
-
To continue a dialogue and cooperation between education institutions and accrediting bodies and quality organizations to consolidate the concepts of quality and accreditation at the Arab regional level
-
There is an urgent need to promote a culture of quality and certification systems and improve the quality of education in the Arab educational institutions
-
There is a need for continuous dialogue and continuous deployment of best practices related to quality in education
-
Support initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education and work on further studies and research related to quality and accreditation
-
Promote sustainable cooperation among educational institutions and bodies of quality and accreditation and launch programs to promote joint research that addresses quality and accreditation
-
Strengthen the role of the Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the Arab Organization for Education , Science and Culture and the Union of Arab Universities and the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education and coordination among these institutions to work to support the establishment of a comprehensive system of a pan – Arab quality initiative
-
Identify common priorities of quality and accreditation in Arab educational institutions- Develop action plans to establish a pan
-
Arab educational space to promote educational exchanges and academic recognition
-
Create the environment and conditions for the establishment of an independent Arab accreditation body recognized in the Arab region and without any dependency on any legal or legislative or executive of any government or union
Meanwhile, it was decided to hold AROQA's 6th meeting in Oman under the theme "Patterns of Education and Standards of Quality Control" with a special focus on digital education.
A workshop under the theme "Enhancing quality assurance through internal and external quality" was also held in cooperation with Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute (ACQUIN) attended by a host of experts in education representing various Arab countries.
During the meeting, HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh received an Honorary Shield from Sudan University of Science and Technology for his effort in supporting the quality in education.
HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh honors HE Dr. Moncef Bin Salem, Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and HE Faeqa Al Saleh
HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh and the participants of the fifth annual conference of the Arab Organization of Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA) held in Tunis
HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh receives an Honorary Shield from Sudan University of Science and Technology.