The University of Sharjah (UoS) participated in the 15th General Assembly of the Conference of Rectors in the Middle East Region (CONFREMO), and 1st General Conference of C2R Middle East, hosted by Qatar University, to discuss challenges faced by the higher education institutions in the region.

During the general assembly, it was announced that the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has become a member of the Conference of Rectors in the Middle East Region. Additionally, the University was chosen to host the conference next year, expected to take place in the fall of 2024. The conference aims to enhance science diplomacy within the French-speaking community by promoting the role of universities and research centers in activating Francophone scientific cooperation and addressing social challenges, including climate change, health crises and youth unemployment, bringing together presidents and directors from over 50 universities and research centers affiliated with the Francophone University Agency (AUF) in the Middle East.

Prof. Rasha M. Hattab, Director of the Francophonie Center at UoS, represented the University on behalf its Chancellor His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, expressed enthusiasm for the University of Sharjah’s participation in the AUF conference, emphasizing that it opens doors to enhance cooperation with Francophone University Agency and the francophone world, aligning with the shared objectives of over 1,000 universities.