A Historic Academic Partnership Between Morocco and France
The Eco-Campus of the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez recently hosted a momentous inauguration ceremony for the "Joint International Campus" (Campus International Partagé), marking a significant milestone in the collaborative relationship between the Euro-Mediterranean University and the prestigious Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. This event symbolizes a decade of fruitful academic cooperation between the two institutions, setting a historic precedent for future engagements.
During the opening ceremony, Mustafa Bouzmina, the President of the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez, expressed his pride in hosting such an academic event, which he described as a pivotal moment for both universities. He emphasized that this occasion transcends a mere formal gathering; it represents a significant advancement in a shared scientific and human adventure that began in 2016. This partnership aims to build sustainable bridges between universities, disciplines, cultures, and continents, underpinned by mutual trust and academic rigor.
Bouzmina conveyed his deep gratitude to all the professors from Paris 1 and other French and European universities who consistently travel to provide high-level training programs. He referenced the historic motto inscribed on the façade of the renowned Panthéon in Paris to acknowledge those who have infused this partnership with spirit and essence. He articulated a vision where the newly inaugurated campus would not only enhance existing training programs but also evolve into a comprehensive international hub for education, research, innovation, and cultural dialogue, responding to the rapid societal transformations and contemporary challenges.
A Unique Educational Offering
In alignment with this ambitious vision, the partnership encompasses a Bachelor's program in Political Science and a Master's degree in French-Moroccan Commercial Law. Additionally, a new Master's track focusing on "Mediterranean and African Policies: Migrations and Transformations" has been accredited in Morocco. This innovative program will allow for interdisciplinary engagement across various fields, including history and sociology, thanks to the involvement of a representative from the Sorbonne's history department in Fez.
Furthermore, in the realm of scientific research, the partnership has established eight doctoral research contracts and grants for students, primarily concentrating on the interplay between artificial intelligence and the humanities and social sciences. This initiative aims to foster academic mobility for students and researchers between Paris and Fez, facilitating joint supervision of theses and enabling professors to undertake research stays in Fez. Bouzmina highlighted that the university's diverse environment, with students from 52 nationalities, makes the joint campus a vibrant meeting place for cultures, languages, traditions, and knowledge, enriching the educational experience.
As he concluded his remarks, Bouzmina stated that they have opened a new chapter not only for the current generation but also for future ones, based on rigorous academic pathways and forward-thinking research addressing contemporary issues. He reiterated that the establishment of a pioneering engineering school focused on artificial intelligence within the Euro-Mediterranean and African space underscores the importance of adapting education to current technological advancements.
Kristin No-Ludik, President of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, expressed her enthusiasm for this unique endeavor, emphasizing that it is officially the first of its kind in the history of her university. She recalled how the project was conceived during a visit to Fez in February and was promptly approved by Bouzmina. She highlighted the commitment to fully integrate the campus with its surroundings, rejecting the notion of establishing an isolated campus. This initiative not only aims to maintain the same academic quality and rigor that Paris offers but also to foster new educational programs and collaborative research opportunities in the fields of artificial intelligence and the humanities.
As reported by hespress.com.
