The Syrian Future Movement welcomes the Syrian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s decision to reactivate the membership of Syrian universities in the International University Agency of the Francophonie (AUF) after more than fifteen years of suspension. We believe that the reopening of the AUF office in Damascus is a clear indication of Syria’s renewed academic and international engagement.
The Syrian Future Movement considers this step, taken during the transitional phase following the fall of the former regime, a strategic opportunity to strengthen higher education and scientific research, and to cultivate a new generation of national leaders, thus contributing to the rebuilding of the state on the foundations of justice and citizenship.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that re-engaging with the Francophone university system will contribute to:
- Enhancing the quality of education and scientific research through the exchange of academic expertise, curriculum development, and the modernization of scientific research in accordance with international standards.
- Attracting Syrian talent and expertise, and encouraging students and researchers residing abroad to return and contribute to building higher education institutions.
- Fostering innovation and leadership in academic projects by supporting joint research programs and educational initiatives, and linking education to the labor market and national development needs.
- Promoting cultural and linguistic openness, expanding knowledge of foreign languages and cultures, and creating an open academic environment that contributes to building a renewed national identity.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that renewed international academic engagement should be part of a comprehensive national project for building the new state, through:
Integrating higher education into development strategies and state-building; supporting research programs to address fundamental national issues, including reconstruction, economic development, and citizenship; enhancing transparency and governance within universities; ensuring that new institutions operate efficiently and equitably; opening avenues for international cooperation to secure funding and expertise; and guaranteeing the sustainability of academic programs.
Despite this important step, higher education in Syria faces major challenges, including: modernizing university infrastructure, developing faculty, and ensuring the continuity of research programs.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes that addressing these challenges is a shared responsibility among the new government, universities, and civil society to ensure that the future Syria is an effective, advanced, and civic-minded educational and research nation.
The Syrian Future Movement sees this stage as a historic opportunity to reintegrate Syria internationally and to promote higher education as a key driver for rebuilding the state and society, thereby strengthening justice, citizenship, and sustainable prosperity for all citizens.
