AGP Executive Report

Higher Education Leadership: Canada’s University of Victoria (UVic) named Rhonda McEwen—currently president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University at the University of Toronto—as its first female and first Black president, starting Oct. 14 for a five-year term. K-12 Infrastructure & Access: In Bukidnon, Philippines, Valencia City Central School is preparing for the June 8 school opening amid chronic classroom shortages and recurring flooding, with teachers and volunteers repairing aging rooms during Brigada Eskwela. Education Investment Boom: Qatar’s education sector is projected to nearly double to about $13.22bn by 2034, driven by K-12 private growth, higher education expansion, vocational training, and edtech. School Meals Policy Abroad: Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency is studying a pilot to expand its free nutritious meals program to Saudi Arabia, starting with the Indonesian School in Jeddah, despite rising scrutiny at home. Education Under Conflict: Lebanon and Gaza-related reports highlight school disruption after Israeli strikes, including postponements of university exams following student deaths.

Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: The UN Human Rights Office in the occupied Palestinian territory condemned worsening Israeli occupation attacks in Gaza, warning of grave violations of international humanitarian law and highlighting how blockade conditions are stripping families of shelter, medicine, and food—especially harming children amid continued displacement and damage to education and health systems. Lebanon School Disruption: Lebanon’s Rafic Hariri University campus exams were postponed due to security, while Israel-Hezbollah fighting threatens a fragile ceasefire and raises fresh uncertainty for students and learning continuity. Bahrain Military Education: The Pentagon’s school system said Bahrain schools won’t reopen for the 2026-27 year, extending disruption for military families and leaving questions about future options. Education Under Pressure in Universities: A Cornell University case saw a former student banned from campus for a year after an incident involving the president’s vehicle, adding to the wider “disinvitation season” debate over campus speech and safety. Iraq Development Plan: Iraq’s private sector is projected to invest about $65bn in 2024-2028, with the plan explicitly listing education and health among priority sectors alongside infrastructure. Heat and Learning Risk: Research warns extreme heat is more deadly than cities plan for, with Middle East and South Asia heat events likely causing far higher mortality than reported—an urgent education and public health concern for schools and youth.

Higher Education & Campus Freedom: University of Sydney students protested disciplinary proceedings over a Palestine solidarity poster, arguing it was wrongly treated as antisemitic material and could lead to severe penalties. Conflict & Displacement: In Lebanon, Trump said Israel and Hezbollah agreed to dial back fighting after talks and mediation, but Israel ordered strikes on Beirut suburbs as rockets hit northern Israel; meanwhile, displacement from southern Beirut continued. Conscription Politics: Ultra-Orthodox “Jerusalem Faction” protests blocked roads and trains and disrupted rail service over mandatory military enlistment, raising pressure on Israel’s coalition. Education Policy & Access: Turkey’s ambassador to Zimbabwe denied trafficking claims involving Zimbabwean students, while Iraq announced plans for university education centers inside Abu Ghraib prison. Student Life & Belonging: A Türkiye-focused report highlights how language skills and peer ties shape international students’ integration over time. Research & Institutions: Technion’s former president Yitzhak Apeloig died at 81, praised for expanding research and international collaborations. STEM for Youth: A Nigerian foundation launched a nationwide robotics/coding/AI program targeting 20,000 children.

Prison Education in Iraq: Iraq plans to open university education centers inside Abu Ghraib prison, with in-person and online classes via al-Ayen University and seats across disciplines, aiming to boost rehabilitation and reintegration. Qatar Lifelong Learning: Qatar National Library launches a June program for families, researchers and students, including parenting support, open-access publishing guidance, and a contemporary history series. Israel-Lebanon De-escalation Talks: The US proposes a phased plan: Hezbollah would stop attacks first, while Israel would pause escalation in Beirut, as fighting continues and Israel expands operations, including the seizure of Beaufort Castle. UAE Media Control: Sky News Arabia’s ownership shifts fully to UAE’s IMI amid scrutiny of Sudan coverage, raising questions about editorial independence. Iran Internet Return: After an 88-day near-total blackout, Iran begins partial reconnection, but users report uneven access and ongoing restrictions. Education & Rights in the Spotlight: UK bars US commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker from entering over Israel-related criticism, fueling free-speech concerns. Heritage Preservation in Türkiye: Karahantepe in Şanlıurfa enters a new preservation phase with protective roofing, research facilities and infrastructure upgrades.

Lebanon Frontline Escalation: Despite a ceasefire, Israel ordered troops to expand ground operations and seized the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle, as Hezbollah kept up rocket and drone attacks that forced school closures and displacement across northern Israel and southern Lebanon. US–Israel Defense Integration: In the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, lawmakers are pushing (and others are resisting) a new US-Israel defense technology cooperation setup that could reduce political oversight and deepen military-industrial ties. Iraq–US Diplomacy: Iraq’s prime minister met the US chargé d’affaires to reaffirm cooperation across security, trade, energy, and education, amid US pressure to keep armed factions out of Iraq’s next government. Education & Culture in the Region: Egypt’s Sisi urged higher-education modernization and skills-aligned training; Qatar’s National Library announced June programs for families, early learning readiness, and Palestinian memory; and Nebraska’s governor signed an education-focused anti-antisemitism order requiring reporting and Holocaust/Israel-related curricula. Digital Finance in Egypt: Egypt’s FRA cut fees for a digital real-estate investment certificate ecosystem, aiming to lower costs and expand access via regulated platforms. Qatar Digital Trust: A Qatar-focused piece highlights building “digital trust” as the next step beyond cybersecurity investment. Human Stories: A Bedouin women’s rights activist credits education for breaking barriers, while a Gaza weapons-storage strike and wider war costs keep disrupting schooling and daily life.

Education & Skills Exchange: Egypt-China ties get a practical boost as Egyptian youth train with Chinese firms, building technical careers and management know-how. Islamic Education Staffing: A district chief imam in Ghana urges the education ministry to post enough Arabic and English teachers to Islamic schools, warning children are lagging due to empty classrooms. Language Learning for Women: Hyderabad launches a free Quranic Arabic course for women and girls starting June 6, with weekly in-person classes and structured grammar lessons. School Access & Appointments: A Kerala candidate gets a PSC appointment order 21 years after a recruitment test—too late to join service—highlighting how education-to-work pathways can collapse under delays. Holocaust Education Governance: Yad Vashem’s planned Germany expansion faces backlash after an Anne Frank Educational Center head questions whether Holocaust education could be influenced by Israel’s far-right politics. War’s Climate Toll: Reporting links the Iran conflict to major greenhouse-gas emissions from damage repair and fuel use, framing the region as an “environmental sacrifice zone.” Diplomacy Uncertainty: US experts warn that Trump’s deferred final decision on an Iran deal keeps education and youth mobility plans in limbo across the region.

Israel-Gaza Rights Update: UN human rights investigators say at least 26 Palestinians were killed since Eid al-Adha began, with Israel also planning to expand control across 70% of Gaza—raising fears for aid access and civilian safety. Gaza Education Impact: The same UN reporting highlights how shrinking “safe” areas and ongoing strikes keep families trapped amid ruins, directly undermining schooling and basic services. Cairo University Global Health Links: Cairo University’s Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine is partnering with Shanghai Jiao Tong University to expand joint research, clinical training, and graduate programs. Iran Student Travel Disruption: A Princeton student describes how the Iran war has disrupted flights and summer plans across the Middle East, with cancellations affecting internships and travel. UN on Gaza Ownership: The UN reiterates that 100% of Gaza belongs to Palestinians and urges Israel to end occupation. Syria Floods Displace Families: Euphrates flooding displaces about 2,400 families in Deir Ez-Zor and Raqqa, damaging homes and key facilities including a school. UAE Water Tech for SMEs: UAE startup Meyahh uses a digital B2B platform to help water-treatment SMEs compete on procurement and project delivery, with operations centered in Egypt. Holocaust Education Abroad: Yad Vashem plans a new Holocaust Education Center in Munich to reach educators across Germany amid rising antisemitism.

Lebanon Conflict & Education Safety: An Israeli strike damaged a Greek Orthodox church and a Christian school in Nabatieh’s Jdeidet Marjeyoun, as Lebanon warns attacks amount to “collective punishment” amid continued cross-border fighting. Iran-US Talks & Regional Disruption: US President Trump said there’s no final decision yet on Iran, while demanding Hormuz be immediately open for unrestricted shipping and mines be removed—moves that keep uncertainty high for regional schools, families, and learning continuity. Higher Ed & Innovation Ecosystems: Jerusalem hosted an “American Innovation Forum” focused on building an AI-ready mindset and stronger bridges between young professionals and global industry—an education-to-employment theme for the region. Publishing & Academic Exchange: Sharjah opened as the first Arab Guest of Honour at Warsaw’s book fair, and launched AUS Press to expand university knowledge sharing and translation. Religious Freedom in Education: The European Court of Human Rights ruled Turkey violated Greek Orthodox priests’ rights by blocking them from foundation boards tied to minority education and community institutions. Workplace Childcare in Saudi Arabia: Global Childhood Academy and Arabian Child launched a workplace nursery advisory service to help employers implement Saudi Decision 783 with quality and staffing plans.

Israel-Lebanon: Lebanon’s prime minister condemned Israeli strikes on Tyre and Nabatieh as “collective punishment,” citing damage to historic landmarks and threats to residents, while calling for an immediate ceasefire and full withdrawal. US-Iran diplomacy: Reports say the US and Iran have reached a tentative framework to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and begin nuclear talks, but Trump faces pressure from Iran hawks to “finish the job.” Higher education & rights: The US Justice Department sued the University of California over what it calls a hostile antisemitic environment for Jewish and Israeli students at UCLA, arguing Title VI violations. Education policy & language access: Cyprus’ University of Cyprus launched applications for its first English-language undergraduate degree, starting September, as part of wider legislative changes. Academic freedom controversy: ACSA says it is “resetting” publication and ethics processes after controversy over canceling a Palestine-themed issue of its architecture education journal. Regional education impact: A Gaza reconstruction analysis warns health care and education are poorly covered and that trauma support is missing. Campus polarization: Artists for Palestine urged major UK theatres to end partnerships with Bloomberg Philanthropies, alleging funding links to settlement governance training. Student safety: Kenya reported a deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls School, killing at least 16 students.

Israel-Gaza Control: Netanyahu ordered the IDF to expand control to 70% of Gaza, moving beyond the “Yellow Line” despite a ceasefire framework. Iran-US Escalation: Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned of a “proportionate response” after strikes near Bandar Abbas, as Strait of Hormuz disruption fears grow. Diplomacy & Education Connectivity: EU-backed Sparkle and GÉANT expanded research and education links, including a new UK–Jordan connection via ASREN and SESAME, boosting cross-border scientific collaboration. Abraham Accords Debate: Trump floated expanding the Abraham Accords alongside Iran talks; regional reactions were muted or skeptical, with analysts pointing to deep mistrust and the Palestinian issue. Turkey Higher Ed Crackdown: Erdoğan’s sudden closure of Bilgi University triggered protests, then a quick reversal—another sign of pressure on academic freedom. Internet Access in Iran: After an 88-day shutdown, reconnection is slow and uneven, with students and small businesses reporting lasting harm. U.S. Campus Climate: DOJ filed a second lawsuit over alleged antisemitism and discrimination at UCLA, keeping education-safety concerns in the spotlight. Yemen Leadership Loss: Former Yemeni president Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi died in Saudi Arabia, with mourning announced.

Education & Inclusion: A youth orchestra project in Israel brings Jewish and Arab teenagers together under the Jerusalem Orchestra East & West, training young musicians to carry an “Israeli sound” shaped by diaspora traditions. STEM & Gender Equity: The University of Huddersfield sent its first cohort of young women in engineering to the Global Engineer Girls conference in Türkiye, aiming to widen participation and boost women’s roles in STEM. Health & Learning Outcomes: A multinational study links childhood-onset atopic dermatitis to lasting limits on educational and career choices, strengthening the case for earlier, more comprehensive care. Disability & Access: A visually impaired Turkish student who topped a national high school entrance exam now performs on New York stages after acting training abroad. Campus Climate: Reports from UC campuses highlight rising antisemitism concerns and legal action tied to the “hostile educational environment” for Jewish and Israeli students. Regional Conflict & Youth: In Iran, a stage adaptation of Under the Shadow uses horror to reflect the political fear of life during the Iran-Iraq war era. Humanitarian/Community: KKL-JNF convened educators to support Jewish identity and Zionist education amid growing hostility.

Higher-Education Policy Shock: The U.S. Justice Department sued UCLA again over alleged antisemitic “hostile educational environment,” saying Jewish and Israeli students faced assaults and exclusion, and warning the case could jeopardize federal funding. Curriculum & Hate Speech: Jordan’s 2025-26 school textbooks were flagged by IMPACT-se for antisemitic and anti-Zionist themes, including portrayals of Jews as “treacherous” and claims that frame Israel negatively. Regional Security & Education Aftermath: France 24 reported on Syrians arrested by Israeli forces in 2025, with families describing months-long detention and villagers alleging arbitrary arrests. Textbook-to-Campus Link: The same week also saw broader reporting on chilling effects on campus speech in the U.S., as students self-censor amid legal and administrative pressure. STEM & Peacebuilding in Practice: A Turkmenistan UN meeting highlighted plans for a University of Peace initiative, tying education to neutrality and conflict prevention. Local School Snapshot: Illinois reported 578 students enrolled in Alexander County schools for 2024-25, continuing a downward trend.

U.S.-Iran tensions flare again: The Trump administration says it carried out “self-defense” strikes while negotiations for a deal drag on, and Iran calls it a “gross violation” of the ceasefire—keeping markets jittery and pushing up costs across the region. Campus crackdown: The DOJ sued UC over alleged antisemitism at UCLA protests/encampments, adding to a broader push against universities over campus speech and safety. Education in the spotlight: Telangana overhauled Intermediate textbooks with regional culture, NCERT alignment, and AI-linked updates—while the LEGO Foundation pledged $97M to expand play-based learning for 5 million conflict-affected children across the Middle East and East Africa. Regional life continues: Qatar confirmed its 2026 World Cup base camp in Santa Barbara, and Kuwait highlighted long-running oil-spill land rehabilitation as “green patches” return.

US-Iran Talks Under Strain: Fresh “self-defence” strikes near the Strait of Hormuz have Iran calling it a ceasefire breach, while CENTCOM denies any restart of escorting commercial ships—leaving markets and regional partners watching Doha-style diplomacy for signs it’s real or just fragile. Internet & Civilian Pressure: Iran ordered restoration of international internet access after months of blackout, but reports say connectivity remains limited and tightly controlled. Regional Power Messaging: Iran’s leadership vows readiness and “mass sacrifice” rhetoric as officials trade accusations over civilian targets, including the Lamerd sports hall claim. Turkey’s Political Crisis: Ousted CHP leader Özgür Özel says a snap election could deliver a presidential win with 60%, after court moves split the party and sidelined rivals. Education & Rights: UCLA faces a federal civil-rights lawsuit over alleged failures to protect Jewish and Israeli students; in the UK, Sheffield Hallam staff vote to strike over job cuts and pension changes. Tech & Finance (UAE): Open Finance and the Digital Dirham push forward, with experts saying the UAE is building rails for faster, more data-driven lending and payments.

Internet Reopens in Iran: Iran’s president has ordered the restoration of international internet access after nearly 90 days of blackout, with state media saying most people were cut off and only a few relied on costly VPNs. US-Iran Tensions Stay Hot: The move comes as the US and Iran trade accusations and the ceasefire faces strain after “self-defence” strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and fresh warnings over enriched uranium. Lebanon Escalation: The UN says Lebanon is being pulled deeper into the conflict again, urging Hezbollah to stop attacks and Israel to halt operations. Energy Pressure Spills Into Policy: In Europe, ECB board member Isabel Schnabel argues rates should rise in June even if an Iran deal lands, citing long-lasting energy shocks. Education & Health Spotlights: Qatar University’s virologist Dr. Hadi Mohamad Yassine wins a vaccine research award in Riyadh, while India tightens LPG rules for PNG households amid West Asia supply fears.

Internet Access Returns: Iran’s president has ordered the reopening of international internet access after nearly 90 days of blackout, but details on how and when people will reconnect remain unclear—leaving schools and workers to rely on an intranet and workarounds. US-Iran Talks Pressure: Diplomats are still trading signals over a potential deal, with Qatar hosting Iran’s envoys as Washington weighs reopening the Strait of Hormuz and time-limited nuclear steps. Regional Tensions: Lebanon’s Liberation Day celebrations are muted again as displacement and fears of renewed occupation linger, while Hezbollah is still strong enough to escalate internal conflict. Education & Skills: The UAE is expanding heritage training with a new conservation diploma, and Uzbekistan’s “Icebreaker of Knowledge” is drawing 1,400+ students toward Arctic STEM experiences. Food & Farming: Off-farm income among farmers keeps rising, and regenerative farming pilots are being launched to cut input dependence amid Middle East-linked fertilizer strain.