The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), represented by Dr. Mohamed Jemni, Director of ICT, participated, on June 6, 2026 in the city of Shenzhen, China, in the “Global Future Higher Education Summit: A New Ecosystem for AI-Driven Industry–Academia Collaborative Talent Development.”

Dr. Mohamed Jemni delivered a presentation titled: “Digital Transformation of Higher Education in the Arab Region : From Digital Access to AI-Driven Empowerment.” He highlighted the importance of digital transformation in upgrading higher education systems in Arab countries, and underlined the shift from merely adopting digital tools to building smart, resilient, inclusive, and human-centered educational models.

Dr. Jemni presented key findings from a regional study conducted in cooperation between ALECSO and UNESCO-ICHEI. The study highlighted disparities among Arab countries in terms of digital infrastructure, connectivity, and digital skills, as well as the need to develop clear national and institutional strategies for digital transformation in higher education. He also stressed that training educators and developing their digital and AI-related competencies are essential prerequisites for successful transformation.

He further highlighted ALECSO’s role in supporting Arab countries in areas such as digital transformation, smart education, open educational resources, digital access, and AI in education. In addition, ALECSO continues to strengthen partnerships with international organizations, universities, and technology stakeholders. These efforts are designed to to reduce digital gaps and build shared capacities across the Arab region.

Dr. Jemni concluded by affirming that the future of higher education in the Arab region depends on the ability to transform digital access into comprehensive, ethical, and AI-supported empowerment, thereby ensuring quality education, equity, innovation, and readiness to meet future challenges.