Ajman Declaration 2026 Released as Second India–Arab Universities Presidents’ Summit Concludes at Ajman University
The Ajman University has successfully concluded the Second India–Arab Universities Presidents’ Summit, culminating in the formal release of the Ajman Declaration 2026 — a landmark framework to advance academic collaboration, research innovation, and talent development between higher education institutions in India and the Arab world.
Held over two days, the summit gathered university presidents, senior policymakers, education regulators, and industry partners to define shared strategies for sustainable research ecosystems and cross-border cooperation. The Ajman Declaration 2026 outlines a coordinated roadmap focusing on sustainability and health research, joint academic infrastructure, leadership development, university–industry partnerships, and enhanced academic mobility.
The declaration was jointly presented by Prof. Anas Al-Soud, Executive Director of the Association of Arab Universities, and Dr. Archana Thakur, Joint Secretary of University Grants Commission (India), underscoring the bilateral nature of the academic partnership.
Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, stated:
“As host of this summit, Ajman University brought together leaders united by a shared vision for deeper academic partnership between India and the Arab world. The Ajman Declaration 2026 provides structure and clarity to that collaboration — setting priorities for joint research, innovation, leadership development, and academic mobility while preparing the next generation of global talent.”
Key Outcomes and Initiatives
The declaration emphasizes continued consultation among higher education ministries and regulatory bodies to harmonize standards, reduce barriers to collaboration, and strengthen academic alignment. It also calls for:
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Closer cooperation between university incubators and industry partners
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Development of cross-border innovation training programs
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Mechanisms for responsible data sharing and research integrity
Additionally, the summit launched three major initiatives to operationalize its vision:
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India–Arab University 10+10 Cooperation Program — pairing ten universities from each region for joint academic projects.
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Summit Monitoring Committee — established to oversee implementation of the Ajman Declaration.
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India–Arab University Research and Mobility Network — promoting collaborative research and student–faculty exchange.
The Third India–Arab Universities Presidents’ Summit will be hosted in India in 2027, continuing the dialogue on innovation policy, digital education, academic mobility, and higher education governance.
Through hosting and facilitating this milestone event, Ajman University has reaffirmed its position as a regional hub for global academic dialogue, connecting universities, policymakers, and industry leaders in advancing shared priorities across research, innovation, and leadership development.
