Ajman University Chancellor Calls for Universities to Become "Engines of Adaptability" at Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit

Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, joined prominent government and industry leaders at the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit, where he outlined a bold vision for the future of higher education and its role in developing the human capital that will drive tomorrow's economy.

Speaking during the panel discussion, "The Talent Engine: Building the Human Capital for Tomorrow's Economy,"Dr. Seghir joined Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al Ghardaqa, President of the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change (AYCCC) and Head of Climate Diplomacy and Sustainability Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who moderated the session, alongside Moustafa Rashad, Group CEO and Managing Director of ONE Holding, and Najeh Salah, Chief of Staff at Power International Holding.

Addressing one of the summit's central questions—how universities can prepare students for jobs and skills that may not yet exist—Dr. Seghir argued that higher education institutions must fundamentally rethink their purpose.

"The world is changing too quickly for universities to focus solely on delivering fixed knowledge," said Dr. Seghir. "We have to become engines of adaptability—institutions that remain closely connected to industry, embrace innovation, and equip graduates not only with technical expertise, but with the confidence, curiosity, and character to master whatever comes next."

Dr. Seghir emphasized that while emerging technologies continue to reshape every sector—from artificial intelligence and digital finance to healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainability—the qualities that define successful graduates remain enduring. He highlighted four priorities that universities must cultivate: strong academic foundations rooted in critical thinking and ethics; AI and digital literacy across all disciplines; experiential learning that bridges academia and industry; and the interpersonal skills needed to collaborate and lead in increasingly diverse and interconnected workplaces.

As an example of this approach, Dr. Seghir highlighted Ajman University's upcoming Financial Markets Lab, established in partnership with Ajman Bank, which will provide students with hands-on exposure to financial markets, data-driven decision-making, and real-world business challenges.

The discussion also explored how governments, universities, and corporations must work together to strengthen national competitiveness through talent development. Dr. Seghir called for a more integrated model of collaboration in which education, research, innovation, executive education, and workforce development are continuously aligned with evolving economic priorities.

"We need to stop treating talent as an output of the education system and start treating it as national infrastructure," Dr. Seghir said. "Government provides the vision, industry understands where the market is heading, and universities prepare the people, research, and lifelong learning systems that make that vision sustainable. The future of talent will not be built by universities alone—but it also cannot be built without universities."

Dr. Seghir further stressed that competitiveness depends not only on technological advancement but also on inclusion, cultural intelligence, and lifelong learning. He noted that future-ready economies require the participation of all capable talent, including women, young professionals, first-generation students, working adults, and People of Determination.

His participation at the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit reflects Ajman University's continued commitment to supporting the UAE's vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy by preparing graduates and leaders equipped to thrive in an era of continuous transformation. Through strategic industry partnerships, the integration of artificial intelligence across disciplines, experiential learning initiatives, and an expanding portfolio of lifelong learning opportunities, the University continues to strengthen its role in developing the human capital that will shape the future of the UAE and beyond.