UAE, October 26, 2016 – Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, recently joined as a keynote speaker the ‘Online, Open and Flexible Higher Education Conference’ (OOEFHC) organized by The European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU) in Rome, Italy. As the first prominent Arab figure to participate in the conference, Dr. Al Awar delivered a speech on ‘Smart Learning Facing the Challenges of Higher Education.’ Leveraging HBMSU’s key role in the Arab World’s rapid smart learning transformation, the Chancellor discussed modern-day challenges facing higher education and the role of smart education in addressing today’s pressing issues. Through his speech, he hoped to create promising opportunities and help build a bright future for global education by promoting flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. 

Dr. Al Awar highlighted the prospects of cooperation and coordination in smart learning during his meeting with H.E. Stefania Giannini, Italian Minister of Education, Universities and Research, on the sidelines of conference which was held under the central theme ‘Enhancing European Higher Education; 'opportunities and impact of new modes of teaching’. He said: “I am honored to meet with H.E. Giannini to discuss potential cooperation in vital areas of common interests. We both expressed our support for our common initiatives and agreed to embark on exchange of experiences in promoting smart education to further the regional and international higher education sector.” 

The HBMSU Chancellor was ecstatic to be part of the roster of influential international figures participating in the conference. HBMSU was the only Arab university invited to the event to share its smart education initiatives with the world. The international pioneering forum paves the way for the development of new, efficient, flexible and innovative means of teaching and learning to meet the 21st century challenges.

Dr. Al Awar added: “As the first Arab representative at OOEFHC, HBMSU’s participation is another significant achievement that reflects the high confidence of the international academic community in the university. We are globally recognized for our expertise, worthwhile experiences, and best practices. Such confidence is inspiring us to move forward in our endeavors to help reshape the future of global education in line with the vision and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University.’

“Albert Einstein once said that we cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. This famous quote is apt amidst the rapid developments in the global education scene. We need to adopt forward-looking initiatives and innovative methodologies to overcome current obstacles and promote flexibility, efficiency and accessibility in higher education at the lowest costs. There is no doubt that smart learning is an optimal solution for us to reshape the future of learning and education according to the requirements of the digital era and to support our ambitious development goals,” he added. 

During his stay in Italy, Dr. Al Awar and his accompanying delegation visited the Università Telematica Internazionale (UNINETTUNO) to assess the progress of the Memorandum of Understanding earlier signed by both parties to strengthen their academic cooperation and joint scientific research works. The visit also included discussions on possible establishment and management of joint training centers to deliver world-class scientific and training services according to the requirements of the digital era.