Yesterday, Prof. Dr. Al-Sayed Al-Sharkawi, the SU president, went to sisterly Tunisia country to attend the General Conference of the Federation of Arab Universities at its fifty-fifth session. This conference was hosted by Sousse University in Tunisia. The conference was attended by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Presidents of Egyptian, and Arab Universities.

As well, The Arab Universities Union comprises 390 Arab universities and educational institutions. This session is part of strengthening cooperation between Arab universities, which has a positive impact on the higher education system in all Arab countries; To increase their competitiveness at the regional and global levels. This hosting also comes under the focus of Arab higher education, believing in its importance in the evolving variables in the world in all fields, which constitutes a greater responsibility for universities to prepare students capable of responding to these requirements, as well as the development of scientific research that has become a measure of the evolution of countries. Moreover, the session seeks to standardize the standards of education and training and facilitate special procedures for the recognition and equivalence of university certificates, reflecting the facilitation of mobility and academic exchange of lecturers, students, and administrators among member universities.

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, delivered a speech through his participation in the conference works. The conference was held from 18 to 20 March. It was attended by Dr. Amr Azzat Salama, the Secretary-General of the Federation of Arab, many Arab Ministers of Higher Education, Mr. Ihab Fahmi, the Egyptian Ambassador in Republic of Tunisia, and Presidents of Arab Universities.

Furthermore, the Minister of Higher Education expressed his pleasure at participating in the conference that coincides with the National Day of the sisterly Republic of Tunisia on its independence. The Minister also thanked the Union of Arab Universities for organizing this conference, which reflects their commitment to strengthen cooperation and communication between Arab universities and provides an opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge and identify future plans for higher education in the Arab world.

Ashour noted that the hub of digital transformation in higher education has undergone a profound shift in the way we live, work, and learn in which digital technologies enhance the research capabilities of higher education institutions by enabling researchers to access and analyze data, collaborate with colleagues remotely, use cutting-edge tools and programs, help automate routine management tasks and help staff and employees focus on strategic activities, and provide students with a more attractive learning experience such as online simulations, virtual laboratories, and multimedia content. Digital tools can also provide real-time data on students' actual level and interests, helping them identify areas where they need additional support. As well, digital tools enable researchers and lecturers to communicate with their peers around the world, share knowledge and cooperation in research projects, to assist in reaching new insights and discoveries, helping institutions attract and retain the best talent, as well as enabling institutions to offer flexible educational and research opportunities, Such as online courses, remote training, and virtual conferences. Furthermore, Ashour explained that can help institutions reach new audiences and provide opportunities for lifelong learning, provide valuable insights into students' learning and research results, and enable institutions to make data-driven decisions about the design of educational programs and the course and link them to the labor market and research and strategic planning initiatives.

The minister assured that there were some challenges to be addressed according to the World Bank, in 2020 the rate of Internet penetration in the Arab countries was 49%. 4. This indicates that about half the population in the Arab countries does not have access to the internet digital transformation in higher education, and lack of funding is one of the challenges to digital transformation. As well, investing in human capital is essential for any institution looking to make a digital transformation. This is particularly true of higher education institutions since higher education institutions seek to integrate technology into their teaching and learning practices. It needs to invest in the skills and knowledge of its students, employees, and staff. Then, this investment can take many forms, such as providing training programs, providing professional development opportunities, and stimulating the use of new technologies.

Dr. Ayman Ashour added that one of the main reasons for investing in human capital during digital transformation is to ensure that employees and staff have the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively Where higher education institutions need to keep abreast of these changes to remain appropriate and competitive, Providing continuous training and development opportunities to employees and staff. This can help ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to use new technologies in their teaching and learning practices. Potential employees are increasingly looking for employers who provide opportunities for professional growth and development. In addition, it provides opportunities for higher education institutions to meet their students' needs. Hence, students are increasingly looking for institutions that use technology to enhance their educational experiences.

The Minister explained that to meet the challenges of digital transformation in higher education and scientific research in Arab countries, digital infrastructure must be invested in and human resources from teachers, students, and educational providers qualified. According to a report by the International Finance Corporation, investment in digital infrastructure is essential for the growth of the digital economy in Arab countries. This investment can include the development of telecommunications networks, the provision of affordable devices, and the creation of distinct digital content. Furthermore, there is a need for increased cooperation between universities and research institutions in the Arab States to share best practices and knowledge about digital transformation, develop joint ventures and exchange employees and students between institutions.

Dr. Ayman Ashour reviewed that some initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to address the challenges faced by higher education through digital solutions including the project of establishing electronic testing centers in all universities through which digital assessments are designed to address specific educational goals. This allows teachers to assess students' understanding of content and adjust how they teach accordingly can also be used to monitor progress over time and identify areas of strength and weakness, as well as the project to mechanize university hospitals with a number of 140 hospitals for the operationalization level of HIMSS 5 and the project to establish a number 16 private universities and 10 technological universities from 4G universities.