Amman, May 3 (SANA) Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi stressed that advancing Syria’s academic sector requires accurate assessment of needs, systematic capacity-building, and enhanced international cooperation.
Al-Halabi made the remarks during his participation in the Syrian-Jordanian dialogue forum on higher education and scientific research, held on Sunday in Jordan.
He noted that meaningful development depends on identifying universities’ needs, skills gaps, and research priorities, and directing resources and partnerships accordingly to achieve better outcomes.
The minister explained that building academic capacity involves preparing university professors capable of modern teaching, researchers aligned with societal needs, and academic leadership skilled in planning, evaluation, and institutional management, alongside updating curricula and strengthening links between universities and the labor market.
Al-Halabi emphasized that international cooperation represents a partnership for knowledge exchange and experience-sharing, adding that strategic academic partnerships deliver the highest value and help universities adapt to evolving challenges.
In a statement to SANA, he described the forum as an important platform for dialogue, exchange of expertise, and building joint working paths between Syrian and Jordanian academic institutions and international partners, supporting innovation and institutional development.
He reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to advancing higher education and scientific research as a national strategic choice, expanding regional and international academic cooperation, and promoting quality, efficiency, and innovation within higher education institutions.
The forum is hosted at the German Jordanian University (GJU) in Amman in cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under the project of Syrian Innovation in Academia (SyrIA), with participation from experts, academics, and international partners.
Kh.A
