The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is participating in the Fifth UNESCO Conference on Higher Education in the Arab States, organized by Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education in cooperation with UNESCO and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. Held under the theme “The Evolving Landscape of Higher Education in the Arab Region,” the conference brings together senior officials, decision-makers, university leaders, experts, and representatives of regional and international organizations concerned with higher education.

ICESCO is represented at the conference, held on 2 and 3 November 2026 in Doha, by Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev, Head of the Science and Environment Sector, Supervisor of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World of ICESCO, and Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector, Supervisor of the Translation and Publishing Center.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting higher education systems in its Member States and its readiness to strengthen cooperation and partnerships with ministries, universities, and academic institutions. These efforts aim to improve the quality and performance of higher education and enhance its contribution to sustainable development. He also highlighted ICESCO’s commitment to deepening cooperation with its various partners and called for intensified joint efforts to exchange best practices, expertise, knowledge, and resources and make them more accessible to universities throughout the Islamic world, thereby strengthening academic integration and expanding opportunities for cooperation, scientific research, and innovation.

Over two days, the conference features a series of high-level dialogue sessions and discussions addressing the key transformations and challenges shaping the future of higher education in the Arab region, ways to develop its systems, and opportunities to strengthen regional and international cooperation in this field. The discussions also focused on reinforcing joint Arab institutional commitment to advancing higher education.