AMMAN -- HRH Princess Sumaya, chairman of the Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT) board of trustees, believes that Arab universities must develop a transparent financial culture so that resources can be maximised to work for academics, students and the community.
Speaking at the closing meeting of the UNAM conference on Sunday, the princess told delegates that increased efficiency, autonomy and transparency in financial management would allow universities to offer a better service to students and more relevant solutions to society, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times.
"The UNAM project has provided much needed insights into the manner in which higher education institutions can strengthen their resolve by streamlining their financial undertakings," she said.
UNAM emerged from the European Union's TEMPUS initiative, which supports the modernisation of higher education in areas bordering the EU.
UNAM supports greater financial autonomy and transparency in the four target countries of the project: Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria, the statement said.
Princess Sumaya noted that over the past three years, this "vital and enriching" European Union project had provided many vital insights into how the four participating Arab countries might improve the performance of their higher education institutes.
"UNAM has helped to promote decentralisation and financial autonomy, and it has provided a platform for dialogue through a recognised and respected regional network of higher education institutions and managers."
She added that PSUT was determined to reach out and forge lasting friendships through projects such as UNAM, in order to strengthen synergetic development. "We are committed to being a beacon of cooperative endeavour for our country and our region. Indeed, in a world that is becoming smaller and more interconnected by the day, no institution can hope to achieve success working alone. Projects such as UNAM are a testament to that."
© Jordan Times 2013
