The forum’s program extends over two full days, combining ministerial sessions, scientific panels, and specialized workshops. It was designed to balance the strategic dimension (policy and governance) with the practical dimension (academic and professional experiences).

Agenda at a glance

DEC 02

Opening
Session

Welcome remarks by the Minister of Education of Bahrain, the President of Arabian Gulf University, and the Director of the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality & Excellence in Education.  

Short film: “Higher Education and Future Skills.”

Ministers’
Panel

Arab Higher Education: Challenges and Future Prospects.

  • Contributions from Arab Ministers of Higher Education.
  • Discussion on common issues: skills gap, accreditation and quality, university governance.

Session 02

International Organizations’ Role

  • Presentations from UNESCO, ALECSO, ISESCO, and the Association of Arab Universities.
  • Overview of regional initiatives in higher education.
Track 1
Global Trends
  • Digital transformation and blended education.
  • Artificial intelligence in curricula and research.
  • Quality assurance in changing environments.
Track 2
International Models
  • European, American, and Asian experiences in program modernization.
  • The role of applied universities in employability.
Track 3
Arab Experiences
  • Initiatives from Arab universities to integrate future skills.
  • Practical challenges: funding, governance, digital infrastructure.
WORKSHOPS
Workshop 1:

Emerging Professions and Labor Market Demands.

Workshop 2:

International Academic Cooperation and Joint Accreditation Mechanisms.

DEC 03

Track 4
Sustainable Development & Green Universities
  • Embedding SDGs in university curricula.
  • Green university initiatives in the Arab world.
Track 5
University-Industry Partnerships
  • The role of industry and business sectors in program design.
  • Best practices in university-industry collaboration.
Track 6
The Arab Reference Framework
  • Presentation of the draft Arab Reference Framework for Higher Education.
  • Interactive expert discussion on implementation opportunities.
WORKSHOPS
Workshop 3:

Artificial Intelligence in Academic Program Design.

Workshop 4:

Integrating Sustainability and the Green Economy into Curricula.

Closing
Session

• Presentation of the final declaration (Manama 2025 Declaration).
• Executive recommendations.
• Group Photo of speakers and participants.