As part of fulfilling the vision, mission, and main objectives of Yemen Information Center (YIC), which aims to promote and support peace in Yemen, as well as to support the process of reconstruction and rebuilding, foster a culture of tolerance among the Yemeni community, and contribute to addressing development issues and empowering women, the Arab College for Peace Studies and Diplomacy organized a workshop on Thursday, August 8, 2024, in Aden, focusing on its strategic directions (vision – mission – goals – programs).

The workshop was attended by Dr. Khaled Baslim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for the Educational Affairs Sector, Dr. Lutfi Khanbari, General Director of Private Educational Institutions at the Ministry of Higher Education, representatives of the ministry, experts, and academics in quality, political science, and law, as well as representatives of civil society organizations. The workshop covered the methodology for preparing academic directions, presented similar models from universities or specialized centers in peace and conflict resolution, and discussed and approved the strategic directions of the Arab College for Peace Studies and Diplomacy.

During the workshop, Dr. Khaled Baslim praised the establishment of the Arab College for Peace Studies and Diplomacy in Aden, describing it as a qualitative addition to the Yemeni academic scene. He emphasized the pivotal role the college will play in building a new Yemen by graduating qualified Yemeni cadres in the fields of peace and diplomacy, capable of addressing regional and international challenges, managing conflicts, and building peace, which is crucial necessity given the current circumstances in the country.

Dr. Abdul-Kawi Al-Shamiri, Acting Dean of the College, presented an overview of the college and its programs, which include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, the Women in Development and Peace Program, the Law Program, and the International Relations and Diplomacy Program. He also outlined the main objectives of establishing the college, which are to promote peace and tolerance, enhance national and human values in Yemeni society, and offer quality academic programs according to global quality standards.

On his part, the college’s legal advisor, Mr. Nashwan Al-Mujahed, touched on the preliminary steps that accompanied the establishment of the college, including the development of a general concept, the implementation of a comprehensive study, and the holding of numerous introductory workshops that aligned with the college’s initial academic and legal steps, as well as preparing the building.

The participants enriched the workshop with valuable contributions regarding the college’s programs, educational specialties, goals, and vision, stressing the importance of achieving these objectives.

It is noteworthy that the project to establish the college is one of the Yemen Information Center’s (YIC) projects in Yemen, incorporated into its development plans for 2022, aimed at preparing, studying, and executing the college project on the ground. The college will be an independent private institution subject to the laws and oversight of the Ministry of Higher Education in Yemen, and academic degrees will be awarded according to the academic accreditation standards approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Academic Accreditation Council in Yemen.