Syria’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced the reactivation of Syrian universities’ membership in the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) after more than 15 years on hold, a step it described as “important for strengthening international scientific cooperation.”

Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Marwan al-Halabi said on Monday, November 10, that the AUF will soon reopen its office in Syria and resume operations. He noted that this will help Syria reposition itself regionally and internationally and reclaim a role in global higher education.

In remarks to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), al-Halabi said the move will help Syrian scientific institutions connect with international networks and build smart partnerships with universities and research centers in Francophone and other countries on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit, and exchange of expertise.

Al-Halabi also highlighted the importance of the AUF’s fifth Conference of Ministers of Higher Education, which concluded last Thursday in Senegal, especially at a time when challenges in education, science, and development are growing worldwide.

The AUF’s fifth ministerial conference, held in Dakar, Senegal, ran from November 3 to 6 with Syria participating alongside more than 40 higher education ministers from various countries.

What is the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie?

The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) is a leading global university network that brings together more than 1,000 universities and scientific research centers from around 120 countries, according to its official description.

Founded in 1961, the AUF is also the body responsible for higher education and scientific research under the Charter and Summits of the Heads of State and Government of La Francophonie.

The AUF functions as a development aid organization that mobilizes knowledge and expertise and strengthens solidarity among higher education and research institutions to implement projects that produce tangible transformation in the university system.

It collaborates with many organizations, private companies and their foundations, states and governments, national development aid agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and academic, scientific, and cultural associations.

The AUF operates in more than 120 countries and maintains a broad network of local offices. Its central services are based in Montreal, Quebec, and Paris, France.

Ten regional offices manage activities on the ground in Central Africa and the Great Lakes, West Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean.

AUF structure

• International network: a wide network of universities, colleges, and research centers that use the French language.
• Regional offices: 68 offices in 40 countries, in addition to headquarters in Montreal, Canada, and Paris, France.
• Official representation: the recognized representative for higher education and scientific research within La Francophonie summits, translating high-level directions into concrete programs in its field.