2010年-世界发展银行全球_Universities_as_Key_Partners_for_Developing_Good_Governance_Practices_in_MENA_3页_687kb

MENA Knowledge and Learning - Quick Notes Series

Number 19: Universities as Key Partners for Developing Good Governance Practices in MENA

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Core Content

The document discusses the role of universities in promoting good governance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly in the context of the Marseille Center for Mediterranean Integration (MCMI), launched in October 2009 by the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and several governments and institutions.

The focus is on how reforming higher education governance can contribute to broader governance improvements in the region. The document outlines the challenges facing the MENA region in terms of governance and youth development, and highlights the importance of universities in addressing these issues.

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Main Points

1. The Governance Challenge in MENA

• The Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) show that the MENA region scores low on Voice and Accountability, which measures citizens' ability to participate in government, freedom of expression, and access to independent media.
• Improving transparency and accountability is critical for enhancing governance in the region.
• Despite having high academic standards, MENA universities are not exempt from these governance issues. They are often centralized, with limited autonomy in decision-making, budget management, and program design.
• To function independently and foster freedom of expression, universities require more transparent governance arrangements.

2. The Youth Challenge in MENA

• The region has a youth bulge, with about two-thirds of the population under 24.
• This demographic trend presents both opportunities and challenges, as young people are eager for education and training to participate in the global economy.
• Delays in reforming higher education systems risk losing talent and opportunities, with serious consequences for social and political stability.

3. Reforming Higher Education

• The process of reforming higher education systems in the MENA region has had mixed results.
• Key challenges include university autonomy, quality assurance, financing, and accountability.
• The Marseille Conference (December 2009) was a pivotal event that aimed to share knowledge and move the agenda forward.
• Pragmatic approaches are necessary, as each country and system is unique, and reforms must be tailored to local contexts.

4. The Role of Universities in Governance

• Universities are key institutions for promoting economic growth and civil society participation.
• They contribute to social development by attracting talent, injecting new ideas, and enriching cultural life.
• Although not among the world's top universities, some key institutions in the region can lead governance reforms and serve as models for transparency and accountability.

5. MCMI's Objectives and Strategies

• The Skills Employability and Labor Mobility Program aims to expand governance reforms to more countries.
• MCMI will implement a three-year process to improve:
  • Transparency in decision-making by involving more stakeholders.
  • Information dissemination on university management topics (budgets, accreditation, employability, etc.).
  • Capacity-building for at least one key university in each participating country.
• The goal is to create a regional network of institutions that can multiply and disseminate the impact of governance reforms.

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Key Information

• Marseille Center for Mediterranean Integration (MCMI) is a joint initiative of the World Bank and other partners to support integration and convergence in the Mediterranean region.
• The Marseille Conference (2009) marked the beginning of a three-year reform process.
• Universities are seen as critical stakeholders in governance reform and have the potential to influence public and private institutions.
• The internationalization of higher education can help link the region to global best practices in governance.

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Conclusion

The document emphasizes that universities must be reformed to become independent and transparent institutions, which in turn can contribute to good governance in the broader MENA context. It advocates for a pragmatic, participatory, and tailored approach to reform, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities in the region. The MCMI initiative aims to support this transformation through a combination of technical assistance, capacity-building, and knowledge sharing.