Promoting Sustainable Development through International Qualifications and Employment 

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Geneva, Switzerland, 23 October , 2024

The European Board for Science and Human Development, Human Restart, held its ninth conference titled "Promoting Sustainable Development through International Qualifications and Employment for 2030" as part of AidEX. This event featured esteemed participants from around the world, including international governmental and non-governmental organizations, global representatives, and officials from the United Nations and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The conference opened with a welcoming speech for this distinguished gathering of influential figures. Achievements of Human Restart over the past ten years were showcased, with Dr. Youssef Al-Anzan, CEO of Human Restart, discussing qualifications as the foundation for humanitarian solutions and outlining Human Restart's future plans for sustainable development. 

A significant focus of the discussion was the vital role of remittances from expatriates in Germany in supporting sustainable development in Arab countries, particularly Jordan and Syria. In 2023, Jordan received approximately $2.34 billion in remittances, which played a crucial role in enhancing local economies and improving living conditions. In Syria, annual remittances from the diaspora, especially from Germany, are estimated at €300-400 million, providing essential support for families in need amid ongoing conflict. These financial flows not only bolster household incomes but also contribute to community resilience and development, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in leveraging these resources for sustainable growth. Further insights were drawn from reports by the World Bank and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which underscore the impact of these remittances on the socio-economic landscape of the region.

    Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization 

Arab League, the representative of the Director-General, Dr. Mohamed Sand Aboudrouish, delivered a valuable speech titled "Science Management and Scientific Research - What Has Been Achieved and What We Aspire To," in which he discussed the achievements made and future aspirations, highlighting the organization's plan for 2025 and 2026. Key activities include: - Focusing on scientific research and innovation, evident in initiatives such as ALECSO’s fund for supporting scientific research and innovation, the ALECSO list of Arab scientific research centers, and the scientific twinning program. - Developing higher education through the implementation of the Arab University Ranking and the Arab University Twinning Program. - Supporting sustainability and development, as seen in the Arab Forum for Scientific Research and Sustainable Development. - Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting innovative and creative startups. - Preserving scientific heritage through activities aimed at documenting and updating Arab scientific heritage. - Enhancing human capacity through ALECSO Academy to empower Arab children in scientific research methodologies and the Arab Dictionary for talented young innovators. The organization was honored with a diamond shield in recognition of its leading role in supporting education and development.

    SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
    Among 22 Arab countries, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan exemplified giving and sustainability, highlighting one of the leaders of change, sustainable development, and progress, His Excellency Dr. Shukri Al-Marashdeh, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Jadara University. The contributions of Jadara University and its affiliated institutions have had a significant positive impact on local community development, influencing the region both regionally and internationally.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit leget dolor. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit dolor consectetuer adipiscing elit leget dolor. Lorem elit saget ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer.


SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH BUSINESS
attention shifted to the United Arab Emirates as a distinguished leader in the Arab world. Her Excellency Sheikha Dr. Hind Abdul Aziz Al Qasimi was honored and appointed as Ambassador for Sustainable Development in recognition of her pioneering efforts in community development and leadership in humanitarian initiatives. As the President of the International Business Club of the UAE, she continues to make notable contributions to promoting sustainable development and supporting entrepreneurship at both local and international levels.


SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION


Also from the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Oumayma Al-Qasimi was chosen as the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Expert for 2024. She is a leading figure in circular economy research, collaborating with several American and Arab universities in this field. Her research is foundational for future economic development, providing innovative solutions to enhance sustainability and achieve a balance between economic growth and natural resource protection.


SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EXCEPTIONAL TRAINING

The conference was enriched by the presence of Professor Dr. Muayad Al-Humaidi from the Arab Open University, a diplomatic entity established by the British Open University since 2001 by His Royal Highness Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz. Based in Kuwait, it has established several branches and educational centers in seven Arab countries, with the Kuwait branch serving nearly five thousand students. In his speech, he addressed the importance of adapting to technological changes that will affect over a billion jobs by 2030, emphasizing the need for higher education to bridge gaps in essential skills such as communication and critical thinking. He proposed blended learning and micro-credentials as solutions for skill modernization to meet the evolving job market needs, focusing on achieving sustainable development goals (quality education, decent work, climate change). He also highlighted the importance of accessible education for all, especially marginalized groups, and the role of lifelong learning in keeping pace with industrial transformations

Dr. Mohamad Khir Alwazir was appointed Executive Supervisor of the European Board Human Restart Office for Science and Development in Geneva, Switzerland

Dr. Nibal Al-Muallem, Ambassador of the European Council for Science and Human Development in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

In conclusion

The conference concluded successfully, providing an exceptional opportunity for collaboration and idea exchange among participants to enhance sustainable development goals. Based on the rich discussions and contributions during the conference, we announce the following final recommendations:

1. Enhancing International Partnerships for Sustainable Development:* Encouraging collaboration among countries, international organizations, and participating governmental and private institutions to develop and implement comprehensive development programs focused on education, innovation, scientific research, and strengthening the integration of governmental and private efforts to achieve tangible and sustainable impacts on communities, especially in vital areas such as education, health, and empowering youth and talents in disaster-affected areas, utilizing the resources of these institutions and organizations in the education and rehabilitation process.

 2. Supporting Scientific Research and Innovation:* Promoting scientific research related to sustainability and the circular economy, highlighting research leaders in the Arab world such as Dr. Oumayma Al-Qasimi, and expanding support programs for research and emerging partnerships in community development

.3. Education as a Pillar for Development:* Updating educational curricula to keep pace with future technological changes. As Professor Dr. Muayad Al-Humaidi indicated, blended learning programs and micro-credentials must be introduced to develop the necessary skills for the changing job market, supported by sustainable and inclusive education initiatives, with special attention to developing regions and providing lifelong learning opportunities, exemplified by the European Board for Science and Development (the European Board for Science and Development platform as a model). 

4. Sustainable Development as a Main Path for the Future:* Implementing initiatives and projects that enhance sustainable development across all countries and learning from the experiences of advanced countries in the Arab region. Jordan and the UAE are successful models in this field, supported by influential leaders such as His Excellency Dr. Shukri Al-Marashdeh and Her Excellency Sheikha Dr. Hind Al-Qasimi, who actively contribute to promoting sustainable development through their national and international initiatives. 

5. Preserving and Enhancing Scientific Heritage:* Strengthening efforts to document and update Arab scientific heritage and expanding youth and researcher participation in this field, as outlined in ALECSO's recommendations, and establishing new programs between ALECSO and Human Restart, proposing the Arab Open University as a third party to implement technological programs in green energy.

 6. Sustainability in Natural Resource Management:* Emphasizing the importance of balancing economic growth and natural resource protection by promoting research and scientific applications aimed at environmental protection, as demonstrated by Dr. Oumayma Al-Qasimi's research on the circular economy. 

In conclusion, the conference recommends activating these recommendations to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals for 2030, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future for generations to come.