At a time of immense regional challenges, universities are called upon to contribute more directly to social and economic development. On October 13 and 14, 2008, the Gerhart Center, in partnership with Innovations in Civic Participation (a DC-based non-profit organization) and the global Talloires Global Network of Universities, hosted a regional conference on the incorporation of civic engagement onto Arab university campuses. The conference titled: "Tadamunn: Towards Civic Engagement in Arab Education" was held at the Marriott Hotel in Zamalek, and at AUC’s old campus in Tahrir Square. The conference brought together 15 regional universities, ranging from Bir Zeit University in Palestine to Ahfad University in Sudan and marked the launching of the Ma'an Arab University Alliance.

Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim, Founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, was Keynote Speaker.

The Ma'an Alliance hopes to become a resource and tool for regional universities. For more information about the Alliance, please email us at maan@aucegypt.edu or visit our website at www1.aucegypt.edu/maan.