The MENA-HELF 7 Forum, titled “Local Solutions to Global Challenges: The Role of Higher Education in Building a Sustainable Future,” was held in the United Arab Emirates from 28 to 30 September this year.

Nodir Ergashev, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, participated in the forum as a speaker in the panel discussions.

As part of the forum, agreements were signed with TUM International GmbH of Germany and the Centre for Educational Innovations and Individual Learning Solutions of the United Arab Emirates, aimed at further developing cooperation.

The agreements focus on international exchange of experience in education quality and innovation, implementation of joint projects, and strengthening institutional capacity.

In addition, meetings were held with the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the European Association for International Education (EAIE), and the Qatar National Committee for Qualifications and Accreditation.

As a result of the visit, agreements were reached to involve 50 international experts in the Agency’s accreditation processes in 2026–2027, launch two professional development programmes, and accelerate accreditation processes at three higher education institutions in Uzbekistan in cooperation with QAA.