Amman: The 15th International Conference of the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN) opened Monday in Amman with broad participation from regional and international research and education institutions. Alaa Halhouli, President of the German Jordanian University, emphasized the theme of 2025, "Uniting Minds," highlighting the necessity for collective action to address modern challenges.
According to Jordan News Agency, Halhouli pointed out the expanding role of AI as a transformative knowledge platform, urging for the integration of technological progress with ethical values, privacy protection, and scientific integrity. He also noted that Jordan's hosting of the conference signifies its dedication to advancing its academic and digital infrastructure, including ongoing enhancements to the Jordanian Universities Network.
The conference featured various speakers, including ASREN Director General Engineer Yousef Tarman, EU Ambassador Pierre-Christophe Chatzis-Savas, and Ibrahim Shadoukhi from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. Luis Eliser Cardenas from RedCLARA discussed the RedCLARA-BELLA II project, which aims to strengthen global scientific collaboration. During the opening ceremony, regional and international partners were recognized for their contributions.
Organised by ASREN and hosted by the Jordanian Universities Network with support from the European Union, the conference seeks to boost scientific cooperation, enhance research and higher education systems, and improve digital infrastructure across the region. Discussions will focus on global trends in energy, data, AI, communications, digital transformation, and open science.
This year's programme also highlights empowering women in STEM through a dedicated track and the "Next Generation of Innovators" platform, which showcases research by young scientists from across the Arab world. Sessions and dialogues throughout the conference will concentrate on strengthening partnerships and advancing a more integrated and sustainable regional knowledge ecosystem.