The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of the National Committee for Human Resources Development, Dr. Wajih Owais, patronized the opening of the activities of the second international week organized by the Department of International Relations and Projects at Yarmouk University over three days in the conference and seminar building. In his opening speech, in the presence of University President, Owais pointed out that His Majesty King Abdullah II always stresses the importance of developing human resources and building a Jordanian citizen capable of playing several roles in the development of the society. He added that the public education sector is one of the three main components of the national strategy, which recommends the formation of a commission to develop curricula to include a group of specialists and experts. Finally, Owais called on developing the quality of school and university education, amend university admission policies, organize university admission exceptions, and provide financial support to universities.

In his turn, the president of the University, Professor Islam Massad, welcomed the guests and audience of the second international week which represents a platform for partnerships and networking between several institutions, thus providing an opportunity of collaboration, dialogue, and exchange of experiences. He emphasized the development of Yarmouk university and its programs, stating that the university’s strategic and action plans are derived from the Royal Visions of His Majesty King Abdullah II and His interest in enhancing the quality of education and providing opportunities for community service and extra-curricular activities. He then mentioned that the university has already established a scientific center for Sustainability Development as a unit to coordinate any activities that target developing solutions for global problems such as climate change.

In the same context, the former Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Muthanna Gharaibeh, stressed our need to develop the infrastructure of institutions, develop the capabilities of the faculty and administrative staff in educational institutes, and keep pace with modern technological developments. He also pointed out that the role of educational institutions in integrating the industrial and academic sectors with technological developments, which requires qualified employees with advanced skills. For her turn, Sherry said that the U.S. government supports numerous exchanges with Jordan, stating: “I’m pleased to say that thousands of Jordanians have participated in U.S. government-funded educational, professional, and cultural exchange programs such as the Fulbright Program, the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study program, and the International Visitors Leadership Program”. She also said that the USAID is working alongside the Ministry of Education to enhance the quality of education in Jordan at universities as well as primary and secondary schools. Sherry added: “We’re currently working with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Yarmouk, Jordan, Mu’tah, and Hashemite Universities to establish pre-service teacher education, PRESTIJ, as a means to improve the quality of teaching and learning for the grades 4-10”.

In response, al-Otoom welcomed the audience to the conference stating that the international week celebrates the inspirations for a better future for leaders, experts, researchers, scientists, and other stakeholders worldwide. He then mentioned that the week’s activities include a set of themes, such as the impact of the National Human Resources Development Strategy 2016-2025 in Jordan, the pursuit of sustainable green universities, equity and inclusion in higher education, and digital transformation in higher education: trends and best practices.

Noteworthy here is that the opening activities of the event were attended by the Emirati Ambassador in Amman, Ahmed Ali Al Balushi, the head of the Higher Education Accreditation and Quality Commission, Dr. Dhafer Al-Sarayrah, the president of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Dr. Khaled Al-Salem, the director of Erasmus Plus National Office, Dr. Ahmed Abu Al-Haijaa, and a number of directors of the offices of international organizations and academic bodies in Amman, the two vice presidents, Professor Muwaffaq Al-Omoush and Professor Riyad Al-Momani, the deans of the faculties, the directors of administrative departments and scientific centers, and a number of university students from different faculties.