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The opening session of the Digital Universities Arab World 2024 Conference

The American University In Cairo Hosts Digital Universities Arab World 2024 Conference

The American University in Cairo (AUC) inaugurates the 2024 edition of the Digital Universities Arab World conference today, running through September 18, 2024, at its New Cairo campus. Organized in partnership with Times Higher Education (THE) and the American University of the Middle East (AUM), the conference, titled "Innovation for Sustainable Digital Higher Education," will address the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in higher education and explore ethical considerations and issues of accessibility. This is the first time the event has been held in Egypt, where AUC will host over 300 industry leaders from more than 24 countries that span four continents, including 150 university representatives, along with industry partners, researchers, and innovators from around the world. 

The event features over 60 speakers, who will engage in in-depth discussions, share knowledge, and analyze data-driven case studies on the impact of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and governance in higher education. Discussions include how digital transformation can support universities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the role of institution leadership in driving universities’ digital transformation, the optimum blended learning model to achieve the right balance of learning and accessibility for universities in the MENA region, students’ expectations of digital universities, the quality of online learning, developing students’ skills to ensure digital literacy, the potential of AI for higher education, academic integrity in the age of AI, the future of work in light of digital transformation and the current and future status of online university course accreditation in the MENA region. 

AUC’s hosting of Digital Universities Arab World 2024 reflects the University’s commitment to advancing higher education and promoting meaningful dialogue on digital transformation within the education sector. “We are glad to co-organize and co-host this significant conference at AUC. Our vision is to foster critical discussions on the potential and challenges of digital transformation in higher education, in our region, and to bring these essential conversations to Egypt and North Africa,” said AUC President Ahmad Dallal, adding that AUC’s collaboration with Times Higher Education and the American University of the Middle East (AUM) exemplifies the University’s dedication to creating impactful partnerships.

Dallal highlighted that the conversations aim to develop strategies for digital transformation in higher education that are inclusive, responsive, and impactful while considering local, regional and global contexts. “The digital transformation initiatives we choose to implement must be shaped by the specific contexts of our region, which faces rising geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges to sustainable development, as well as significant disparities in income and resource access.”

Charlotte Coles, director of event partnerships and engagement at THE expressed her excitement about the collaboration between AUC and THE in hosting the event for the first time. “Digital Universities Arab World is about showcasing innovation in education and providing practical examples of digital transformation from across the region. It's been a pleasure to co-host with the American University in Cairo, a leader in driving change and empowering the next generation of learners.”

The conference attracts speakers and attendees from several universities, higher education institutions, ministries, and organizations, including The American University in Cairo, Ajman University, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, King Saud University, The University of Jordan, NYU Abu Dhabi, the American University of Beirut, the American University of the Middle East, University of Exter, Abu Dhabi University, The American University of Sharjah, the Lebanese American University, Danish School of Education, Mohamed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Zewail City of Science, Technology and Innovation, Times Higher Education, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Egypt, the Association of Arab Universities, the British Council, Macmillan Learning, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, and others.

 

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Founded in 1919, The American University in Cairo (AUC) is a leading English-language, American- accredited institution of higher education and center of the intellectual, social, and cultural life of the Arab world. It is a vital bridge between East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the world through scholarly research, partnerships with academic and research institutions and study abroad programs. 

The University offers 39 undergraduate, 52 master’s and two PhD programs rooted in a liberal arts education that encourages students to think critically and find creative solutions to conflicts and challenges facing both the region and the world. 

An independent, nonprofit, politically non-partisan, non-sectarian and equal opportunity institution, AUC is fully accredited in Egypt and the United States.