Dubai, UAE — 20 September 2024 — FORM, a prominent not-for-profit initiative of the Dubai-based Knowledge E Foundation, achieving recognition on the world stage by participating in a key session at the Science Summit during the 79th United Nations General Assembly. Taking place in New York on September 26, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EDT, this session, titled "Supporting a Positive and Productive Regional Environment for Scientific Collaboration in the Arab World," aims to draw attention about the significance of fostering a supportive environment for scientific collaboration and addressing regional challenges within the Arab world.

As the convenor, FORM will focus on how the Arab region can address specific regional challenges, how they are currently addressed, and how they align with advancements in the global scientific research setting. The various issues that will be discussed in this session include, equitable access to research, capacity building for sustainable scholarly communications, and innovative funding models. By tackling these topics, FORM aims to highlight the Arab region’s contributions to the global scientific community and foster a dialogue on advancing open science.

The session will feature keynotes by His Excellency Dr Aram Mohammed Qadir, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research – Kurdistan Regional Government, and Dr Faisal Mohamed Elabdli, Director General of the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research, followed by two roundtable concerning regional, national and institutional priorities with regards to capacity building, collaboration, and sustainable, affordable and accessible research infrastructures in the Arab world. Moreover, there will be a particular emphasis on ensuring the global visibility of Arab research and the inclusion of Arab voices in global discussions. In addition to the esteemed keynote speakers, a distinguished panel of leading experts, including H.E. Prof. Amr Salama, Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities, Prof Ahmed Hassan Fahal, Vice-President of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils; Dr Hisham M. Sabir, Executive Director - Scientific Research Programs Office, Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council; Dr Lamis Yahia Mohamed Elkheir, Co-Director - African Reproducibility Network (AREN); and Dr Mohammed Hussein Ahmed, Head of the Apparatus of Supervision and Quality Assurance - Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Kurdistan Regional Government will also contribute their invaluable insights to the discussions, enriching the dialogue with diverse perspectives. In parallel to this global engagement, FORM is also gearing up for its flagship event: the 3rd Annual Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM), set to take place in Doha from October 21-24, 2024. This year's Annual Forum, with the theme of "Transforming Knowledge into Action," will be hosted in partnership with the Qatar National Library, coinciding with the global Open Access Week.

Since its inception, FORM has hosted stimulating Annual Forums in Egypt and the UAE, partnering with notable institutions such as the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, Khalifa University, UNESCO and the UAE Ministries of Education and Culture. This year’s event in Doha aims to build on past successes, attracting government representatives, librarians, researchers, academics, policymakers, and other industry experts. It will focus on turning conceptual advancements into practical solutions within the dynamic environment of Education City in Qatar.

The Qatar National Library’s commitment to open access aligns with FORM’s goals, making it an ideal venue for this year’s Annual Forum. The event will provide a platform for regional stakeholders to discuss effective strategies and practical expertise, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable approach to scientific research and education.

For more information about the Science Summit session and the upcoming Annual Forum in Doha, please reach out to contact@forumforopen.org

 

About the Forum for Open Research in MENA

The Forum for Open Research in MENA (F.O.R.M.) is a non-profit membership organisation supporting the advancement of Open Science policies and practices in research communities and institutions across the Arab world. A catalyst for positive action, F.O.R.M. works with key stakeholders to develop and implement a pragmatic programme to facilitate the transition towards more accessible, inclusive and sustainable research and education models in the Arab region. Every year, F.O.R.M. hosts the Annual Forum for Open Research, which brings together leading international experts and key regional stakeholders to discuss and debate key themes and issues relating to the advancement of Open Science across the Arab world.

For more information about the initiative visit: forumforopen.org and for this year’s Annual Forum visit: https://forumforopenresearch.com/