The 2025 e-AGE conference, organised by the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN), took place this week in Amman, Jordan. As the annual meeting point for ASREN and the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across North Africa and the Arab region, e-AGE25 gathered practitioners, policy makers, and experts to discuss the evolving research and education networking landscape in the region.
The two-day programme offered a strong mix of community updates and strategic discussions, including presentations on national initiatives, network and service expansion, and the continued development of regional digital infrastructures. A prominent theme throughout the conference was open science and its role in supporting regional development and increased autonomy in research and education. Sessions also highlighted women in STEM, the importance of nurturing local talent, and the contribution of NRENs in creating opportunities for youth across the region. Across all discussions, the critical importance of regional collaboration and sustained support was evident.
Co-located with e-AGE25 were meetings and workshops of the EU co-funded EUMEDplus project, which aims to strengthen the NRENs of the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood.
NORDUnet took part in the full set of project activities, contributing to capacity-building efforts for ASREN and its member NRENs. With the forthcoming MEDUSA Mediterranean subsea cable set to enhance connectivity for many countries in the region, the project is working to ensure the accompanying organisational and operational capacity is in place.
As part of the programme, NORDUnet led a workshop on governance and sustainability for ASREN, supporting efforts to foster a strong and independent regional organisation. We are proud to contribute to strengthening NREN collaboration in the region and to support the continued development of research and education networking across the Arab states.
