The opening ceremony of the Forum was attended by H.E the President of the French Republic Mr. François HOLLANDE, who addressed the audience at the opening sessions.
The Forum was organized as an attempt by the Institute to create a dynamic platform to support the generation of new ideas and highlight developments in the region, with that regards Mr. Jack Lang, President of the Institute said “Our objective is to have this exercise be only the first in a long series. We are convinced that the importance of this Forum will lead to further brainstorming events where Arab and European stakeholders will regularly come together to discuss ongoing issues in their present life as well as their ambitions for the future.”
The 2- day Forum brought leaders, experts, decision-makers, project holders and emerging personalities who work in and act on the Arab region met to exchange ideas and views, address regional opportunities and challenges and establish new personal and professional networks. The Forum’s program comprised various streams including: education, entrepreneurship, energy, women voice, cities and culture
Dr. Narimane intervention on the first day addressed the latest developments in higher education in Arab world, in particular in relation to new reforms aimed at improving access and quality, encouraging research & recognizing the importance of establishing a knowledge economy. She has tackled the concept of excellence and what it entails for institutions of higher learning in the Arab World and concluded by presenting a three loop excellence maturity model which could be adopted by institutions seeking excellence.