Category: Technology

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with 11 Aqaba-based hotels within its JD3 million hotel support program to enable them to implement energy conservation and rationalization projects. The memorandum was signed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF) Saleh Kharabsheh, and representatives of hotels participating in the Tourism Sector Energy Efficiency Program (TSEEP). The first phase of the program will cost an estimated JD1.25 million to be split between by the fund and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). Kharabsheh stressed, in a press statement after the signing, the importance of the programs implemented by the JREEEF in achieving its goals which intersect with the objectives of the National Plan for Energy Efficiency, including cutting hotels’ energy consumption, increasing their competitiveness and improving the quality of their services. He lauded the importance of the partnership between the Ministry and the Authority in implementing the project within the recently-launched National Plan for Energy Efficiency. The TSEEP, he continued, is a sustainable breakthrough to implement programs and projects aimed at rationalizing energy and energy efficiency in the sectors of industry, tourism and private hospitals. Kharabsheh indicated that the fund implemented a project to support the energy consumption rationalization program in hotels in the Petra area, which resulted in reducing the energy bill in the targeted hotels by 60 percent. For his part, Head of the ASEZA Nayef Fayez stressed the importance of implementing the project in partnership with the energy fund in the ministry, in light of the great challenge that Aqaba hotels face, including high electricity bills, underscoring commitment to continue cooperation with the fund. Elaborating further on the project, Rasmi Hamza, Executive Director of the JREEEF, said that the total cost of the project amounts to JD3 million, which will be channeled into three phases, pointing out that the project is the first of its kind to be financed according to the ESCOs system in the Kingdom, which is an internationally approved method that follows the best global environmental and financial practices. The program is implemented under the supervision of the fund, which offers hotels a grant from the fund and the authority, in addition to a grant for the implementation of energy audit assessments by specialized companies funded by the United Nations Development Program. These projects will save operating costs for hotels estimated at nearly a quarter of a million Jordanian dinars annually and 760 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. For his part, Director of Environment and Climate Change Programs at the United Nations Development Program Nidal Aouran pointed out the importance of a participatory approach to work with the fund by providing support for the implementation of the project to enable Aqaba hotels to increase the volume of their investments, and rationalize energy in their daily work, stressing the program’s continued support for national efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of hotels. The United Nations Development Program had provided a JD100,000 grant to implement detailed energy audit assessments for the 11 hotels participating in the project within the best international practices in the field, by adopting the latest technologies and providing logistical and technical support in partnership with the Fund.

Source: Jordan News Agency

On the centennial anniversary of the establishment of Damascus University, a remote electronic platform was launched in cooperation with “T’azur Foundation for Development” at the university’s presidency building, and a medicinal and aromatic plants’ garden and the butterfly exhibition were opened in the College of Agriculture.

The educational laboratory for the magnetic resonance imaging machine, the high voltage laboratory, and the Smart Networks Research Center were also inaugurated, in addition to the opening of Martyr Basil al-Assad gymnasium in the Faculty of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, in addition to the opening of the Center for the Development of Digital Medical Education in the Faculty of Human Medicine at the university.

In a press release, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Bassam Ibrahim stated that Damascus University represents a scientific edifice, of which “we are proud with all its buildings, faculties, staff, students, and graduates.”

President of the National Union of Syrian Students, Dareen Suleiman, stressed that Damascus University is one of Syria and the Arab world’s most important and oldest universities, with many notable scientific, political, and academic figures graduating from it.

She also underlined that the opening of laboratories equipped with modern devices and high educational and research value is the most significant aspect of today’s celebratory activities, despite all the challenges and unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria.

University of Damascus is celebrating Thursday the centennial anniversary of Resolution No. 132’s issuance. The resolution regulated the Syrian University, which consisted of the Medical Institute, Law Institute, Arab Scientific Assembly, and Damascus Museum on June 15, 1923. As a result, it is the oldest government-owned university in the Arab world.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

The two friendly countries of Iran and Syria discussed means of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the health and higher education domains.

This came during talks held Monday by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Bassam Ibrahim with Iranian Deputy Ministers of Science, Research and Technology, Hashem Dadashpour and Health, Treatment and Medical Education, Abolfazl Bagherifard.

The two sides agreed to establish joint committees to follow up the activation of the executive program of the MoUs signed by the two parties, Syria and Iran.

Talks also dealt with organizing joint visits by students and professors from universities to participate in the training courses and scientific and cultural events in Iran, especially for students and professors of Persian language departments in Syrian universities.

Additionally, the two sides discussed means of developing cooperation in the medical field, conducting joint scientific research, exchanging of experiences and training in various advanced medical and pharmaceutical specialties, biomedical sciences, stem cells, laser technologies, liver transplantation and others.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

The first engineering conference for faculties (civil, architecture and informatics) began Friday at Al-Wadi International Private University in Homs.

42 researchers from Syrian public and private universities and from France, Belgium, Portugal and Palestine participated in this conference.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Bassam Ibrahim said that the conference raises important topics and issues, with the participation of Syrian researchers in the countries of expatriation online.

The minister noted that the conference came after the earthquake catastrophe hit Syria, and that confirms the role of engineers in analyzing reality and its effects and working to amend the Syrian construction codes.

He called for the need to come up with important scientific and research proposals that contribute to developing the engineering sector in Syria.

The conference will run two days.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Pafos, Cyprus – The American University of Beirut (AUB) celebrated the laying of the foundation stone for its twin campus, the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo), in Pafos, Cyprus. The official ceremony was held at Apostle Paul Avenue, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, former President Nikos Anastasiades, Mayor of Pafos Phedonas Phedonos, Dr. Philip S. Khoury, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AUB, with members of the Board of Trustees, the President of AUB, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, administrative and faculty members, as well as other distinguished political, diplomatic, cultural, and social figures. The new campus, named “American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo,” upholds the university’s strategic vision, AUB Vital 2030, as it holds steadfast to its pioneering academic legacy for over 155 years and reiterates the university’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a brighter future for the region and beyond, by educating students to the highest global standards and providing groundbreaking healthcare services. Prior to laying the foundation stone, the Cypriot President said, ‘The American University of Beirut has a rich legacy spanning over 157 years, it has influenced the lives of thousands of students and contributed to the prosperity of Lebanon and the nearby regions. We pledge our support to ensure the success and growth of the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo in Pafos.’ For his part, the Mayor of Pafos stated, ‘Laying the foundation of such a university with glorious history and long-time traditions, in such a small city is without doubt incomparable to anything Pafos has seen over its modern existence.’ He went on to say, ‘Having AUB Mediterraneo part of our new identity represents a promising opportunity with great prospects between Cyprus, Lebanon, and the United States.’ Delighted by the prospect of bringing the excellence of AUB to the European Union, the AUB President said, ‘Cyprus has long been part of our university’s history. Now, AUB is back to serve the people of Cyprus, enriching the interchange of ideas, knowledge, and purpose between our campuses in Beirut and Pafos.’ For his part, the Chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees asserted that, ‘in the coming years, AUB Mediterraneo will engage in joint research projects, and develop integrated approaches to education.’ Anticipated to welcome its first class of students in fall 2023, AUB Mediterraneo will offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The inaugural cohort of students will be able to pursue a variety of bachelor’s degree programs in philosophy, politics and economics; psychology; computer science; industrial engineering; and business administration – management. Master’s degree programs will include engineering management and business analytics. As the American University of Beirut expands its legacy of excellence to the European Union, the twin campuses in Beirut and Pafos will forge a networked environment, eliminating silos and promoting increased interaction, mobility, connection, and integration. The American University of Beirut’s vision extends far beyond the walls of its campuses, aiming to shape the future of education and make a positive impact on society.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Rector of al-Baath University Abdul Baset al-Khatib discussed with Deputy Director of Kovalevsky Institute of Marine Biological Research for International Affairs in the Russian Federation prospects of scientific cooperation, especially in the field of environmental and water diversity.

Discussions touched upon activating the joint scientific cooperation agreement signed in 2022 through exchanging students, conducting joint scientific research, and holding joint workshops and seminars that contribute to developing of scientific, research and cultural relations that serve the two countries.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency