11th conference of SAARC University Grants Commission begins

The 11th high-level conference of the University Grants Commission of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Corporation) and other relevant institutions has begun in Bandos Maldives.

The conference was inaugurated at Bandos Maldives this Sunday morning by Minister of Education of Maldives, Dr. Aishath Shiham.

At the inauguration, Dr. Aishath Shiham spoke of the ongoing work by Maldives and other SAARC countries to improve the quality of education.

She noted the work of SAARC Quality Assurance Network and the role of fellowship and scholarship opportunities in improving the quality of education.

Dr. Aishath Shiham said that students from other SAARC countries travelled to Maldives for higher education as part of the regional education programs.

Dr. Aishath Shiham also spoke of the need establish an open and distant education policy in the SAARC region, and the Maldivian government was working on compiling such a policy.

Ministry of Education of Maldives reports the purpose of the conference was to improve the quality of higher education in the region, compile higher education policies and ensure certificates issued from regional universities are accepted.

The conference will continue Sunday to Monday.