United Arab Emirates University to Host QS Africa 2026 Higher Education Forum in Ethiopia Under the Theme “Skills, Systems, and a Sustainable Future”

The forum will discuss strategies for academic transformation, advancing artificial intelligence, and strengthening sustainable Arab-African partnerships.

United Arab Emirates University is hosting the QS Africa 2026 Higher Education Forum, organized by the global higher education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, from 9 to 10 July, under the theme “Skills, Systems, and a Sustainable Future” as part of the University's Golden Jubilee celebrations. The forum brings together a wide range of policymakers, university presidents, and international experts.

Exploring the Future of Higher Education and Artificial Intelligence

The first day of the forum is set to feature academic discussions covering several key themes, most notably exploring the vision of “Africa 2030” through the analysis of global benchmark indicators, demographic shifts, and research collaboration. Discussions will also address the development of global engagement strategies to build future-ready universities capable of driving economic growth and social progress.

The sessions will also examine mechanisms for transitioning toward more flexible learning pathways based on micro-credentials and lifelong learning, in response to the evolving needs of the labour market and through co-design with employers.

In a related context, experts will discuss the “AI imperative” and how universities can leverage artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the efficiency of teaching, administrative operations, and student support systems at scale.

Sustainability, Regional Cooperation, and Institutional Capacity Building

Participants will also review the requirements of academic leadership for driving institutional transformation, with a focus on aligning academic growth with environmental and social responsibility by integrating sustainability into infrastructure, curricula, and research.

The first day will conclude with a closed roundtable discussion on strengthening cooperation between African and Arab universities, with the aim of building joint research ecosystems focused on addressing strategic issues such as climate security and digital transformation.

Reaffirming its role as a strategic partner, United Arab Emirates University will organize a specialized panel discussion on the second day titled “Building Institutional Capacity: Leadership, Infrastructure, and Funding.” The session will highlight practical approaches to addressing funding challenges and developing research and teaching infrastructure in a way that enables universities to grow and expand.