Cyprus is placing higher education at the centre of its reform agenda, Education, Sport and Youth Minister Dr Athena Michaelidou said on Wednesday, stressing the need to align universities with Europe’s changing social, economic and technological priorities. Addressing the Meeting of Directors-General for Higher Education at the Conference Centre in Nicosia, held as part of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Dr Michaelidou said the country was proud to host the gathering “at a time when higher education is at the heart of Europe’s strategic priorities”.
She told participants that their presence reflected “not only your commitment to higher education, but also our shared responsibility to shape the future of Europe through knowledge, innovation and cooperation”. Dr Michaelidou said the strategic priorities of the Cypriot Presidency focus on strengthening internationalisation and sustainable cross-border institutional cooperation, while advancing work towards a framework for a Common European Degree. At a time of rapid technological and social transformation, she added, particular emphasis is being placed on the Skills Union initiative.
The aim, she said, is to strengthen mobility in higher education while promoting upskilling and reskilling, so that higher education is better aligned with the evolving needs of the labour market.
“By promoting a culture of lifelong learning, we ensure that our graduates are not only academically competent, but also equipped to respond to the green and digital transitions shaping our societies,” she said.
Dr Michaelidou said Cyprus was following a strategic plan and promoting actions to upgrade and safeguard quality in higher education.
She called on participants to use the meeting as an opportunity to deepen cooperation and strengthen partnerships.
Source: CNA
