Forward from the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Syria
Knowledge is widely recognized as a key factor for social and human development. It is an indispensable component to enrich citizenship and gives people the necessary competencies to face the challenges of tomorrow. Deepening and widening cooperation in the field of education is an essential part in the EU/Syria cooperation, as it plays a central role in enhancing social, cultural and economic development.
The EU-funded TEMPUS Programme is one of the many EU programmes designed to help the process of social and economic reform, and support the modernization of Higher Education in Partner Countries. Building networks and communication among academic worlds, it creates international and regional cooperation between academic institutions, and at the same time enhances understanding between cultures.
Syria has been part of the TEMPUS Programme for over five years, and most of its universities participate. Having a significant impact on the Syrian higher education reform, TEMPUS has modernized curricula, enhanced teaching methods, ensured quality and staff development. Several faculties have, thanks to TEMPUS funding, become centers of excellence, and a significant number of academics have benefited from its mobility programme. The continued hard work and excellent cooperation of all involved TEMPUS actors has led to its success.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Syrian Ministry of Higher Education and the National Tempus Office for all their efforts and strong commitment to the TEMPUS Programme, and more generally for their support of EU-Syria higher education cooperation.
