HBMSU leads Arab World at International Council for Open and Distance Education's ‘Quality Network'

UAE, January 8, 2017– The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has joined the ranks of international academic and research institutions which recently got the ‘Quality Network’ membership from the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE). The membership is HBMSU’s latest global achievement supporting UNESCO’s efforts to raise the quality of higher education which in turn helps advancing sustainable national development.

It also reflects the university’s highest level of achievement as the premier institution which promotes quality education in the Arab World based on the smart education model and lifelong learning, as well as an active contributor in translating UNESCO's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promoting life-long learning.

HBMSU has made one step closer on the path to excellence by reinforcing the culture of quality education in the Arab World through the nomination of Dr. Soma Al Haj Ali, Director of Excellence and Governance Center as the regional general coordinator for quality within ICDE’s ‘Quality Network’. Becoming part of the ‘Quality Network’ opens huge opportunities for HBMSU to consolidate the efforts of regional and international academic institutions in supporting the joint initiatives between ICDE and UNESCO. These initiatives aim to promote quality in smart, open and flexible education in line with international standards aimed at advancing higher education which is necessary to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development and building safer communities around the world.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, said that HMBSU’s successive achievements in reshaping the future of education in the Arab World in line with the requirements of the 21st century are moving forward with the consistent guidance and the wise directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University. Al Awar noted that joining the ‘Quality Network’ as a representative of the Arab World in the ICDE is an addition to the UAE’s achievements as the country has always been a leader in enriching knowledge and strengthening the smart learning culture in the Arab World based on the highest quality standards and innovation so that young generations are able to explore and make a better, more secure and sustainable future.

He further highlighted that ‘Quality Network’ at ICDE plays an important role in establishing a culture of open and flexible education necessary in establishing a major and positive change for future generations around the world, particularly in the Middle East. He added that HBMSU is committed to supporting ‘Quality Network’ and meet its objectives of making lifelong learning a fundamental tool for improving the lives of people. This effort serves to support UNESCO’s goals embodied in Education 2030, which seeks to ensure equitable and comprehensive quality education and improve opportunities for lifelong education for all.

Al Awar added: “We are glad that Dr. Soma Al Haj Ali have chosen as the regional general coordinator for quality in the Arab World. This is a big achievement and a new responsibility that urges us to continue our cooperation with the ICDE and explore new horizons for developing education, in line with the knowledge economy and local and regional sustainable development goals. We are committed to international efforts in providing high quality education for all, as it is the driving force towards building stable, secure and prosperous societies. We are confident that joining the ICDE’s ‘Quality Network’ will further boost the concept of distance learning. It lays a strong foundation for the role of alternative educational platforms in bringing about development through innovation, quality and smart transformation.”

The ICDE puts quality education and lifelong learning among its main objectives and is committed to support UNESCO's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The ICDE has a strategic partnership with UNESCO which focuses on international coordination in providing education for all through smart, flexible and open education as a means to improve the lives of people around the world and support the efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development.