AGP Executive Report

Higher Education Governance: Turkey’s Official Gazette order to close Istanbul Bilgi University has reignited fears of renewed pressure on private universities, with critics saying the move came without warning despite recent accreditation. International Scholarships: Morocco honored 41 Fulbright grantees for 2026–2027, spanning fields from computer science and bioinformatics to educational technology and journalism. Education Access & Funding: Bahrain opened registration for 95%+ scholarship eligibility for 2026–2027, with places across local and international universities. Student Rights in Schools: Bahrain’s ministry also moved to protect students’ rights in school religious practice, while the UAE celebrated IB results despite disruption tied to the Iran war. Vocational Skills for Industry: Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone stressed linking technical education to factory needs, with Elsewedy Technical Academy expanding region-specific training pathways. Learning at Any Age: A 70-year-old woman in Türkiye completed literacy training and urged others not to give up on education. Regional Education Diplomacy: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan reaffirmed plans to deepen trade and investment, including education cooperation signals. Humanitarian Education Link: A Bahrain endowment project in Jerusalem aims to fund a girls’ school in Sheikh Jarrah while supporting orphan care. Student Activism: Pro-Palestine students disrupted a university graduation at the University of Edinburgh over alleged ties to Israeli-backed companies.

Higher Education Policy: Turkey’s Official Gazette order to close Istanbul Bilgi University has sparked fresh concern about renewed pressure on private universities, despite the school recently passing accreditation checks. Religious Rights in Schools: Israel’s Education Ministry issued uniform guidelines requiring public schools to allow students to lay tefillin on campus at set times/places, aiming to reduce friction and protect learning continuity. UAE Education Continuity: UAE pupils received International Baccalaureate results after Iran-war disruptions, with exams cancelled regionwide and grades based on teacher assessments under a non-exam contingency measure. Workforce Inclusion: Kuwait’s Zain GROW program graduated fresh cohorts of people with disabilities via paid internships with partner universities and training providers, linking education to real job pathways. Conflict Impact on School Communities: In southern Lebanon, an Israeli strike killed four people including a school principal, underscoring how ceasefire-era violence still hits education-linked civilians. Migration & Skills: Egypt and France signed a declaration of intent on migration cooperation, explicitly tying support to higher education, vocational training and job creation.

Turkey Higher Education Crackdown: Turkey’s Official Gazette ordered the closure of Istanbul Bilgi University, alarming students and staff after no prior warning, despite recent quality accreditation checks. NATO Summit Security: Ahead of the Ankara NATO summit, Turkish authorities launched a new wave of arrests and tightened restrictions, with journalists and activists among those detained. Syrian Women’s Political Voice: In Aleppo, Syrian women activists protested “Representation is not just numbers” as Damascus announced completion of Syria’s first People’s Assembly since Assad’s fall, arguing women’s presence still doesn’t guarantee real power. Gaza Children Under Fire: A UN inquiry report says Palestinian children were deliberately targeted, raising major questions about international law and the future of protections for students. UAE AI for Health Learning: Abu Dhabi University students developed “Amal,” an AI-enabled smartphone app for children undergoing cancer treatment, combining psychological support and doctor follow-up. Qatar Summer Learning: Katara launched 2026 summer camps with nearly 190 participants across arts, science, heritage, and religious tracks. Turkey Defence Industry & Skills: Ankara is using the NATO summit to spotlight Turkey’s fast-growing defence sector, with a Defence Industry Forum featuring thousands of companies. Kenya Education Access: In Baringo North, a new school bus for Yatia Mixed Secondary School is helping learners return after banditry disrupted schooling.

Turkey Higher Education Crackdown: Istanbul Bilgi University faces closure after a sudden Official Gazette decree, with students and staff saying there was no warning despite recent accreditation checks. NATO & Defense Industry: As Turkey hosts the NATO summit, analysts say Trump’s Ankara visit could unblock F110 jet engine supplies for Turkey’s KAAN stealth fighter, while the F-35 dispute remains unresolved. Iran Funeral Politics: Three of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s sons appeared at his funeral prayers, but successor Mojtaba was absent amid reported security concerns and public “revenge” chants. Israel-Palestine Humanitarian Impact: Reports highlight the killing of a Palestinian teen in the West Bank and a separate case of an infant dying after an Israeli gate closure blocked emergency passage. Education & Rights in the Classroom: A US federal complaint alleges Boston Medical Center retaliated against a Jewish Israeli intern after she reported antisemitic material at work. STEM & Research: University of Michigan-led work in Egypt found early fossils of modern fish groups, filling a key gap after the dinosaur extinction. University Leadership in Pakistan: Sindh’s search committee begins interviews for the University of Karachi vice chancellor post with 52 applicants shortlisted to 46.

Higher Education Under Pressure: Turkey’s Istanbul Bilgi University faces closure after a sudden Official Gazette decree, raising fresh alarms about licensing crackdowns and the impact on students and international links. Religious Freedom & Education: Iran’s Baha’i community reports intensifying pressure, including arrests and barriers that hit schooling and professional paths. STEM Expansion: Qatar plans four new STEM secondary schools next year to boost science and technology graduates, alongside scholarships and placements. Education Skills Gap: An OECD assessment finds notable shares of college students in developed countries perform at reading and math levels typical of late primary school, with the US and Israel among the highest. Gaza Ceasefire Stagnation: With the Gaza hospital chief reportedly in danger in detention, residents describe education and daily life as trapped in a “dangerous status quo” after months of stalled ceasefire talks. Youth Safety & Crime: Israel’s Arab youth face a spiraling violence toll, with calls for stronger enforcement as more killings are reported. STEM in Practice: Saudi engineering students place at the MATE ROV World Championship, a Gulf first for reaching the finals stage. Local School Content Scrutiny: Jammu and Kashmir withdraws school library books over alleged separatist propaganda and glorification of convicted terrorists. Municipal Services & School Access: Saudi Arabia exempts educational institutions from a 24-hour operating fee, shaping how schools can function under new licensing rules.

Higher Education Policy: Turkey’s Official Gazette order to close Istanbul Bilgi University has sparked alarm among students and staff, with critics saying the move bypassed warnings despite recent quality accreditation checks. Qatar Education & Skills: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education highlighted efforts to align scholarships with labour-market needs, expand TVET, and strengthen inclusive education in a development-focused podcast episode. Youth Learning & Environment: Qatar’s 2026 Summer Environmental Club (ages 11–17) is training students through workshops and field visits to build environmental awareness and practical knowledge. Access to Free Schooling: Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province says more than 6,000 underprivileged students have received free education over four years, including English/Arabic, computers, public speaking, and calligraphy. Postgraduate Admissions: Yemen’s Al-Mahweet University launched entrance exams for master’s preparatory programs covering Quran sciences, Arabic, geography, history, and curriculum/teaching methods. Poverty & Schooling in Iraq: A report from Najaf shows children working in landfills instead of finishing school, with families citing mounting costs. Regional Security & Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies warn Gaza’s humanitarian access is worsening as Israeli-controlled areas expand, squeezing civilians into smaller spaces. Education Costs & Inflation: Turkey’s inflation data points to steep education and housing price pressures, with education costs rising sharply year-on-year.

Higher Education Under Pressure (Turkey): Istanbul Bilgi University faces closure after a sudden Official Gazette decree, raising fears of a renewed crackdown on private universities and leaving students and staff without clear warnings. Student Learning & Youth Programs (Qatar): Abu Dhabi and Qatar-linked coverage highlights education through environment and digital safety: Qatar’s Environment Ministry honored 26 students (ages 11–17) in Summer Environmental Club 2026, while the UAE moves to regulate children’s social media access and pushes Digital Citizenship Education. Teacher Leadership Across the Arab Region: The TAMAM project at the American University of Beirut connects teachers across 79 schools in nine countries, supporting 130 school improvement projects. Regional Security & Education Policy Context (NATO/Türkiye): Ahead of the Ankara NATO summit, Türkiye’s role is framed as central to alliance security, with knock-on effects for public life and institutions. Public Health & School Continuity (Lebanon/UK): Lebanon’s ceasefire talks raise questions about reconstruction and safe returns, while UK heatwave coverage spotlights how schools stay open to protect vulnerable children. Governance & University Management (Pakistan): University of Gujrat faces administrative turmoil over staff transfers during admissions, with concerns for student access and stability. Mass Mourning & Civic Life (Iran): Iran begins week-long funeral ceremonies for Ali Khamenei, with massive logistics involving schools and public services—an event likely to shape daily life and education-adjacent spaces. Women’s Higher Education Funding (UK): The UK scraps a flagship program (SHEFE) meant to expand higher education access for women and girls, citing aid cuts.

Higher Education Crackdown: Turkey’s Istanbul Bilgi University faces closure after an Official Gazette decree, raising fresh alarm over licensing decisions and academic freedom. Regional Security & Training: Albania’s PM Edi Rama says a National Special Forces Academy is planned, with talks involving Israeli partners after the launch of a national flight school. Iran Funeral & Education/Youth Impact: Iran begins a week of mass mourning for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with multi-city ceremonies drawing millions and tightening security across Tehran, Qom and Mashhad. School Access in Lebanon: UNICEF and officials warn that about 100,000 Lebanese children could miss the new school year as Israel-related damage affects hundreds of schools. US–Bahrain School Disruption: The US Navy says families in Bahrain won’t return before the DODEA fall semester due to ongoing Middle East uncertainty. Campus Rights in the US: An Indiana University doctoral student sues over alleged First Amendment violations tied to a Jewish Studies program event. Student Mobility: Trakia University reports 972 foreign students enrolled for 2025/2026, with English-taught medicine and veterinary programs drawing most international applicants. Arts & Expression Under Pressure: An Istanbul court orders the arrest of comedian Deniz Goktas over a viral stand-up set deemed offensive to Erdogan and religious values.

Turkey Higher Education Crackdown: Turkey’s Official Gazette ordered the closure of Istanbul Bilgi University, with critics saying the move bypassed warnings despite recent quality accreditation checks, raising fresh alarm for academic freedom. Morocco Language Policy: Morocco will require universities to offer at least one Arabic module in science, engineering and medicine, aiming to boost access and local knowledge production while keeping global competitiveness. Iran Funeral as State Theatre: Iran is staging a week of mass mourning for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with officials expecting huge turnout and using the ceremonies to project unity and resilience. Gaza at 1,000 Days: Coverage marks the 1,000th day since Oct. 7, highlighting stalled ceasefire steps and ongoing harm to children and schools amid continued Israeli control and uncertainty for reconstruction. UAE Education Mobility: UAE’s Umm Al Quwain University signed an MoU with Paraguay’s education ministry offering three full scholarships for undergraduate study starting in 2027. Egypt Child Online Safety: Egypt launched “Child SIM” services to create a safer mobile internet environment for children, pairing access with content protections. Turkey Inflation Hits Education Costs: Turkey’s June inflation eased to 32.1%, but education prices jumped 46.1%, adding pressure to household budgets and schooling. Saudi Labor Focus: Kenya’s PM Musalia Mudavadi begins talks in Riyadh centered on stronger protections for Kenyan migrant workers.

Higher Education Under Pressure (Turkey): Istanbul Bilgi University faces closure after a sudden Official Gazette decree, with critics saying it revives past crackdowns and leaves students and staff without clear warning. Tech & Jobs (Israel): A new study finds Israeli software developers now cost 8.2% more than US counterparts, driven by a strong shekel—raising fears of layoffs or shifting R&D abroad. Education & Conflict (Gaza/Israel): As the war marks 1,000 days, reporting highlights ongoing child harm and stalled postwar plans, while protests in Israel target government accountability and hostage handling. UNRWA & Schooling (Palestine): A new report claims UNRWA failed to deliver promised education reforms after allegations of hate-inciting materials, renewing EU funding pressure. Teachers & Rights (Iran): Iran prepares major mourning ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei while separate coverage says Iran is cracking down on teachers’ unions and jailing educators. Policy & Learning (Afghanistan): Renewed attention falls on Afghanistan’s broader historical education tradition versus Taliban claims of restoring an “authentic” Islamic system. Climate Research (Gulf): Gulf states are urged to move from technical climate studies toward “evidence-to-impact” pathways that include people, policy, and incentives.

Higher Education Under Pressure: Turkey’s Istanbul Bilgi University faces closure after a sudden Official Gazette decree, raising fresh alarms about licensing and academic freedom. Arabic Language Research: The Doha Historical Dictionary signs an MoU with Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University to boost Arabic lexicography, digital resources, and training for students and faculty. Digital Learning at Scale: UAE-based MBRGI backs a Digital School initiative reaching 500,000+ learners across six African countries, with teacher capacity-building and job-ready pathways. Arabic AI for Government: Inception42 launches “Seraj,” an enterprise AI model built with Microsoft to improve Arabic reasoning, dialect understanding, and cultural nuance for public and private use. Gaza Education Crisis: UN-linked reporting and events mark 1,000 days of war, with renewed focus on the destruction of schools and education staff, and calls for stronger international action. EU Accountability on Gaza: UCC staff and students plan a protest during an EU commissioner visit, citing “scholasticide” and damage to Gaza’s education system. Health Education & Infrastructure: Abu Dhabi Biobank and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute partner to establish the Middle East’s first eye bank in Abu Dhabi, expanding corneal transplant capacity.

US-Iran Talks in Qatar: U.S. and Iranian negotiators met separately with Qatari and Pakistani mediators, with Qatar reporting “positive progress” as talks aim to end the war and settle Strait of Hormuz issues; Iran insists on controlling routes and charging fees. Iranian Threats: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi warned Israel would be “schooled” if it ignores the US-Iran MoU terms, while also promising an “immediate powerful response” to threats against Iranian leadership. Education Under Conflict (Iran): AP reports the Feb. 28 U.S.-linked strike on an Iranian primary school in Minab killed over 120 children, but families still lack a final accounting as the Pentagon’s investigation remains incomplete. Kuwait Exam Results: Kuwait’s ministry released Grade 12 results for 2025–26, noting students achieved top scores despite schools shifting to distance learning after Iranian aggression. Iraq Anti-Corruption: Iraq arrested 67 officials in a sweeping campaign, including education-adjacent public officials and senior figures, signaling tighter governance. Arabic Research Grants: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre named winners of its Research Grants Programme, funding projects on Arabic dictionaries and teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers. Palestinian Displacement Exhibit: Canada’s Museum for Human Rights opened “Palestine Uprooted: Nakba Past and Present,” spotlighting displacement of about 750,000 Palestinians and its long education-and-identity impacts.

UNRWA Funding Crisis: UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged donors to close a $100 million gap for UNRWA as the agency nears a breaking point, warning that restrictions and funding cuts threaten education, health care and shelter for millions of Palestinian refugees. Turkey and UNRWA: Türkiye’s UN envoy said UNRWA is under “unprecedented political pressure,” denouncing attacks on UNRWA personnel and operations. Digital Safety Debate: Kuwait education and child specialists called for urgent laws restricting social media for children under 15, weighing risks like cyberbullying and exploitation against the UAE’s similar move and the role of platforms in learning and self-expression. Summer Learning in Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s Education City launched summer camps and workshops across sports and creative programs, pushing learning beyond classrooms. Schooling and Policy: Texas’ education board approved required Bible reading for public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, sparking debate over curriculum control and timing. Education and Access in Dubai: The North Land Institute of Training opened in Dubai Knowledge Park as a Canadian higher-education provider, aiming to deliver Canadian standards locally. Regional Education Under Strain: Reports highlighted the ongoing fallout from a deadly U.S.-Iran strike on an Iranian primary school, with families still lacking a final accounting. Youth Sports: Philippines’ Alas Pilipinas girls opened their AVC U18 campaign with a win over Iran, with standout scoring from Xyz Rayco.

Iraq Higher Education Crackdown: Iraq’s acting higher education minister ordered an immediate halt to new applications to establish private universities, colleges, and academic departments, aiming to regulate and reassess rapid private-sector growth. Iraq Infrastructure Funding Gap: Al-Diwaniyah says it needs about one trillion Iraqi dinars (around $763M) to finish development projects through mid-2027, citing shortfalls in allocations and the need for installment funding. UAE Education Strategy Update: Sheikh Hamdan reviewed progress under Dubai’s Education 33, stressing values-driven, future-ready schooling, stronger Arabic learning, student wellbeing, and life skills. Dubai Education 33 Progress: KHDA presented initiatives aligned with Education 33, covering Arabic learning, wellbeing, and future-ready competencies across education stages. Saudi Health + Medical Education PPP: Saudi Arabia’s NCP launched a tender for a 391-bed hospital at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah under a 30-year PPP model to expand specialized care and support training and research. AI in Education (UAE): Young Emiratis are building AI tools to cut admin burdens in healthcare and improve how businesses show up in AI assistants—signals of growing tech entrepreneurship linked to education and skills. Global Rankings Watch: QS World University Rankings 2027 show intensifying competition from Asia and the Middle East as US/UK dominance persists. Water Access Innovation: UT Austin researchers unveiled a portable water-harvesting jacket that can generate drinkable water from air, potentially aiding people in water-scarce settings. Learning Beyond Borders: A Gaza-related UN report says Israel targeted a large share of shelters used by displaced people, raising fresh concerns about education continuity for children.

Higher Education Accountability: The U.S. Education Department finalized rules tying federal student loan access to graduates’ earnings, with colleges that miss targets risking loss of Direct Loan eligibility and other Title IV benefits starting in 2027. Exams & Teacher Supply: Kenya’s KNEC opened recruitment for 2026 KCSE oral and practical assessors, training selected teachers and tutors for subject-specific marking. Regional Diplomacy & Security: Iran’s acting defense minister warned of decisive retaliation for any ceasefire breach as U.S.-Iran talks continue via Qatar, underscoring how instability around the Strait of Hormuz can spill into regional planning. Education, Skills & Partnerships: The UAE’s Innovation City launched its first summer internship program with AURAK, placing 36 students into live roles; Nigeria’s Sokoto State University announced a Turkish partnership for transnational education and research exchanges. Religious Education Cooperation: OTS leaders in Shusha agreed a new multilateral cooperation format on religious affairs, stressing youth education, academic exchanges, and joint research. Israel-Lebanon Framework: Analysis says the security deal may entrench stalemate, with Hezbollah disarmament viewed as unlikely—raising uncertainty for schooling and civil life in border areas.

Iran–US Tensions: Iran says no US-Iran talks are scheduled, even as a technical delegation heads to Qatar and Tehran links $6B in frozen assets to the stalled process. Strait of Hormuz: Analysts warn Iran will keep using the waterway as leverage, while renewed strikes keep the ceasefire fragile. Lebanon–Israel Framework: A US-mediated framework agreement is framed as a potential opening for lasting peace, with debate over who supports sovereignty and who resists it. Education & Language: Qatar’s education leadership is recognized for social responsibility in private schools, while a wider push argues Arabic language confidence is tied to cultural identity. UAE School Expansion: UK’s Epsom College plans K-12 campuses in Abu Dhabi (2028) and Dubai (2030), signaling continued growth in Gulf private education. Iraq–Kurdish Politics: Reports say Iran is pressuring Baghdad to expel or extradite Iranian Kurdish opposition groups from Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Health Research: Israeli and US researchers report a pathway that may help regenerate inner-ear hair cells, offering hope for permanent hearing loss.