The Syrian Minister of Higher Education discusses with Pedersen the development of the higher education sector in cooperation with United Nations organizations.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi, met on Tuesday with the Special Envoy of the United Nations to Syria, Geir Pedersen, and his accompanying delegation, to enhance and develop the higher education sector in cooperation with UN organizations after the lifting of sanctions on Syria. Both sides discussed the current situation of higher education and universities in Syria, the needs and challenges facing this sector, cooperation with foreign universities, utilizing Syrian scientific expertise abroad, and empowering Syrian women. The Minister highlighted the damage inflicted on ministry entities during the previous regime, such as institutional sabotage, brain drain, scientific isolation, academic freedom restrictions, outdated facilities affecting research outputs in higher education, and the potential for collaboration to address these gaps. He also commended Pedersen's efforts in lifting sanctions on Syria, indicating the possibility of cooperation and partnership with organizations like the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to confront challenges and enhance higher education. Workgroups have been formed to engage with international organizations, focusing on investing in higher education to boost self-resources, improve student and patient services. The Ministry has completed its digital transformation plan, established a center for external publishing support, is working on updating stagnant curricula, enhancing blended learning, supporting virtual universities, and emphasizing technical education in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Pedersen praised the swift decision by US President Donald Trump to lift sanctions on Syria and his meeting with President Bashar al-Assad, expressing hope that this step will be a real opportunity to support stability and development in Syria, restore academic freedom, and promote scientific openness. He acknowledged the Ministry's decision to criminalize hate speech and sectarian incitement, its efforts to strengthen the Syrian fabric, rapid actions taken for students in the Sweida and coastal regions, collaboration with foreign universities in new disciplines, establishing women empowerment centers. He expressed happiness about the Ministry's collaboration with the United Nations organization and emphasized the importance of continuing and enhancing this cooperation.