This event is organized by the Ministry of Higher Education of the Sultanate of Oman.

Since this conference is considered as a follow up to the World Conference on Higher Education, organised by UNESCO in October, 1998, UNESCO is sponsoring this event and is providing full technical and intellectual support.

The conference provides an international forum where the challenges and opportunities facing higher education can be explored by academics, policy makers, and all concerned with individual and social development.

The past 30 years has seen the rapid development of an extensive higher education system in the Arabian Peninsula. Universities and Colleges of the region have benefited from and contributed to the globalisation of knowledge. The velocity of change they have experienced, however, has inevitably focused attention on key questions relating to the purposes of higher education and the processes which maintain its integrity. The University of the 21^st Century provides a forum for key stakeholders to reflect critically on the forces that are shaping higher education on national, regional and international levels.

This important and timely conference is designed to have a positive impact on the future of Universities in the Gulf. Assisting the Ministry of Higher Education with the conference is CƒBT Education Services.

CALL FOR PAPERS
Submission of papers for presentation on any topic related to the conference themes are welcome. Proposals in the form of a one page abstract outlining the paper should be faxed to Dr. Rawya Al-Busaidy at (+968) 685 378 or email to timamis@omantel.net.om or  colleges@omantel.net.om . Participants are requested to submit their abstracts / papers according to the following criteria:

• The abstract should be typed on MS word, double - spaced and font size 9
• the paper should be on the same format as the abstract and to be submitted by 15 January 2001
• the abstract on a floppy disc should be mailed to Dr. Rawya Al-Busaidy, Director - General of Private Universities and Colleges, P.O Box 82 Ruwi - Muscat 112, Oman; or hand delivered at the Ministry of Higher Education.
• last date for submission of abstracts is 30 October 2000

N.B.

• An  academic panel will review the abstracts and notify authors of their acceptance for presentation in the conference.

CHAIRS OF SESSIONS
If you would like to chair a conference session please e-mail timamis@omantel.net.om  or  colleges@omantel.net.om