Prof. Hamdan at the Arab Conference at “The University of Jordan”: Cybersecurity is a Strategic Necessity for the Educational Process and a Safe Digital Society

Prof. Sari Hamdan, President of Al-Ahliyya Amman University, emphasized that the university was among the first Jordanian universities to launch specialized academic programs in networks and cybersecurity at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He affirmed that cybersecurity is no longer an option, but rather a strategic necessity to ensure the continuity of the educational process, protect students, secure data, and build a safe digital society. This came during his participation on behalf of Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al-Ahliyya Amman University and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jordanian United Investment Company (the owner of Al-Ahliyya Amman University and the University Schools Group), at the opening ceremony of the Arab Conference for Talent and Excellence, organized by the International Youth and Development Organization in collaboration with the University of Jordan and Al-Ahliyya Amman University, under the theme: "Cybersecurity and Education in the Knowledge Society." The conference was inaugurated on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the University of Jordan, under the patronage of H.E. Prof. Nathir Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan, and will continue for two days, with participants from Jordan, various Arab countries, and Germany. The conference also witnessed wide participation from several ministers, senators, academics, and experts. Prof. Hamdan congratulated the University of Jordan for achieving the 324th global ranking in the QS World University Rankings, and extended his congratulations to other Jordanian public and private universities for achieving commendable positions in this prestigious global ranking. He stressed that such accomplishments are a clear indicator of the quality of higher education in Jordan and contribute to its regional and international reputation. He added that this significant conference sheds light on one of the most pressing challenges facing the educational system and modern societies — cybersecurity. Prof. Hamdan further highlighted that Al-Ahliyya Amman University has prioritized the development of academic programs in networks and cybersecurity in line with the latest global standards and technological advancements. This is achieved by updating curricula, investing in technological infrastructure, and attracting specialized academic professionals. The university also believes in the integration of theoretical and practical education; hence, it has equipped students with modern laboratories and simulation environments that allow real-world interaction in digital security scenarios. Additionally, the university seeks to establish strategic partnerships with local and international institutions specialized in cybersecurity to enhance students' skills and empower them to compete in local and regional job markets. He explained that Al-Ahliyya Amman University's participation in this conference reflects its commitment to its national and academic role in addressing strategic issues, most notably cybersecurity, which has become a cornerstone in protecting individuals and institutions and ensuring the sustainability of digital transformation and development across all sectors. From this perspective, the university and its schools recognized early on the significance of cybersecurity and continue to develop specialized initiatives and programs, including: • A Bachelor's program in Networks and Cybersecurity, accredited by ABET and the Jordanian Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission. • A Master’s program in Cybersecurity, aimed at preparing specialized leadership in threat analysis, penetration testing, network and information security, protection of critical infrastructures, and cybersecurity risk management and incident response. The university has also produced 93 peer-reviewed research papers in cybersecurity and networks during 2024 and 2025, all indexed in the Scopus global database. Moreover, Al-Ahliyya Amman University has been designated as the hosting center for the Cybersecurity Center of the Association of Arab Universities, serving as a regional hub for excellence and collaboration. In addition, the university introduced “Digital Culture” as an elective course within its general requirements and ensures a secure e-learning environment while empowering teachers to handle digital threats through training programs offered by the center for teachers and faculty at the University Schools. Prof. Hamdan concluded: “We hope that all Jordanian universities will actively contribute to achieving the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II — may God protect them — in building an innovative and leading educational system that fosters excellence and promotes innovation, placing Jordan among the pioneers in education both regionally and globally, and supporting the path of comprehensive and sustainable development in our beloved homeland.” Opening Remarks by H.E. Prof. Nathir Obeidat The conference patron and President of the University of Jordan, H.E. Prof. Nathir Obeidat, welcomed the attendees saying: “We welcome you to the land of this university and its unique campus. We promise that this university will remain a strong shield for this nation, as its graduates are making a mark across the globe with their ideas and skills, especially those graduating from its renowned IT programs.” He emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing between institutions, associations, and individuals, and commended the university’s collaboration with Goodby Center in establishing one of the leading cybersecurity centers on campus, where students from within and outside the university receive training. He also highlighted a successful partnership with the Arab Bank to establish a dedicated cybersecurity center for the students of the King Abdullah II School of Information Technology, with more upcoming projects aimed at training youth on the latest practices to combat cyber threats. Prof. Obeidat concluded by affirming that Jordan has all the ingredients for success — inspirational leadership, enlightened minds, a rich heritage, and, most importantly, unity, love, and solidarity among its people. “I am confident that this conference will contribute to building a more secure and resilient digital future.” Dr. Adnan Mahmoud Al-Toubasi, President of the International Youth and Development Organization, expressed his pride in the outstanding achievements of the University of Jordan under the leadership of Prof. Nathir Obeidat, noting the university's significant progress and international recognition. He also praised the continued collaboration with Al-Ahliyya Amman University, the first private university in Jordan, commending Dr. Maher Al-Hourani for his commitment to advancing research and academic excellence. Conference Sessions Overview: Day One – July 15, 2025 • First Session, chaired by H.E. Dr. Jawad Anani (former Deputy Prime Minister): o H.E. Eng. Ahmad Hanandeh (former Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship) on Cybersecurity in Jordan: Current State and Future Outlook. o H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Kharabsheh (former Minister of State) on Cybersecurity and National Security. o H.E. Dr. Hayel Dawood (former Minister of Awqaf) on Cybersecurity from an Islamic Perspective. • Second Session, chaired by H.E. Faisal Al-Shboul (former Minister of Information and Chairman of Al-Dustour newspaper): o H.E. Prof. Fayez Al-Saudi (former Minister of Education) on Cybersecurity and Family Security. o MP Dina Al-Bashir on Cybersecurity and Legal Security. o H.E. Eng. Sakher Dudin (former Minister of Information) on Cybersecurity and Media Security. Day Two – July 16, 2025 • First Session, chaired by Dr. Mohammad Al-Hajj, Chairman of Al-Furqan Schools Board: o Dr. Taysir Sobhi, Director of the International Center for Innovative Education – Germany, on Cybersecurity and Ethics of Scientific Research. o Prof. Saleh Al-Sharaiah, Executive Director of the Jordanian Universities Network, on The Role of the Network in Establishing and Managing Security Sector Centers in Higher Education. • Second Session, chaired by Senator Prof. Mahasin Al-Jaghoub: o H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Badran (former Minister of Education) on Cybersecurity: International Comparisons. o Prof. Mohammad Al-Zboon (University of Jordan). o Dr. Nidal Al-Fayoumi (Qatar University) on Core Technological Skills Beyond 2030. • Closing Session, chaired by H.E. Dr. Izzat Jaradat, will focus on summarizing the conference’s recommendations.