ALB-MENA

The Academic Leadership Board for the Middle East and North Africa (ALB-MENA)

1- ABOUT

The Academic Leadership Board for the Middle East and North Africa (ALB-MENA) is an integral initiative of the Global Center for Risk and Innovation (GCRI), specifically designed to address the unique educational challenges and opportunities within the MENA region. ALB-MENA is dedicated to aligning academic efforts with the core imperatives of sustainable development, technological innovation, and ethical governance, with a focus on the distinct needs and dynamics of MENA societies. It serves as a pivotal force, guiding academic institutions across the MENA region towards a future where education not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a strong sense of societal, environmental, and regional responsibility.

2- VISION

ALB-MENA envisions a future where academic institutions throughout the MENA region act as engines of transformative change, shaping a world where education provides not only the knowledge and skills necessary but also the ethical grounding to address and navigate the complexities of both global and region-specific challenges. It aims to create an educational landscape that is vibrant, inclusive, and attuned to the principles of sustainability, equity, and open science, thereby contributing to a more just, resilient, and sustainable MENA community and beyond.

3- MISSION

The mission of ALB-MENA is to integrate academic programs and credentialing into the fabric of strategic curriculum development that resonates with the MENA context. This initiative emphasizes upskilling and the cultivation of green skills in alignment with evolving national, regional, and global standards. ALB-MENA is committed to accelerating the pace of public education and the democratization of scientific knowledge within the MENA region, promoting interdisciplinary learning and spearheading community-centric projects that confront environmental, social, and governance issues head-on. Through these endeavors, ALB-MENA strives to position education as a cornerstone of societal transformation and innovation across the region.

4- COMPOSITION

ALB-MENA's composition reflects its interdisciplinary and inclusive ethos, encompassing a broad spectrum of academics, educators, and thought leaders from fields such as environmental science, engineering, IT, business studies, and social sciences, all with a special emphasis on the unique challenges and opportunities within the MENA region. This diverse collective ensures that ALB-MENA’s approach to curriculum development and educational programming is comprehensive, forward-thinking, and responsive to the diverse needs and aspirations of MENA societies.

5- RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Curriculum Development: Spearheading the development of academic programs that forefront risk management, sustainability, and technological advancements, underpinned by ethical considerations relevant to the MENA region.

• Public Education and Open Science: Making education accessible to all across the MENA region and engaging the broader public in meaningful research and policy dialogue, utilizing various platforms and events to foster a culture of open inquiry and participation.

• Nexus Initiatives: Reimagining universities as hubs of community engagement in the MENA region, where complex regional and global challenges are addressed through collaborative research, innovation, and open dialogue.

• Knowledge and Ethical Sourcing: Ensuring that academic curricula incorporate diverse and indigenous knowledge systems from across the MENA region, fostering ethical understanding and multicultural appreciation.

• Community Impact: Encouraging universities in the MENA region to actively engage in societal development through strategic alliances and projects aimed at community welfare and sustainable development.

6- FOCUS AREAS

• Curriculum Development and Learning: Developing state-of-the-art curricula and immersive learning experiences tailored to prepare students for the specific challenges and opportunities of the future, with a special focus on the MENA context.

• Research Collaboration and Innovation: Facilitating interdisciplinary research efforts that drive sustainable and ethical advancements, positively impacting societal well-being in the MENA region and globally.

• Educational Technology: Utilizing the latest digital tools and platforms to enhance the educational experience, making learning more engaging and widely accessible across the MENA region.

• Sustainability in Education: Embedding sustainability and ethical principles within educational programs, equipping future leaders and innovators in the MENA region with the mindset to make responsible decisions.

• Global Academic Networks: Establishing robust networks among academic institutions within the MENA region and globally, promoting the exchange of knowledge, collaborative learning, and the establishment of global partnerships in education.