Daffodil International University (DIU) and Daffodil Group Founder and Chairman Dr Md Sabur Khan participated as a speaker at the seventh MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum in Dubai, discussing collaboration to improve workforce readiness and social impact.

The Centre for Learning Innovations and Customised Knowledge Solutions organised the forum at Kempinski Central Avenue in Dubai, UAE, from 28–30 September, according to the press release.

The event brought together senior leaders from higher education, government, industry and international organisations to explore how universities could respond to global challenges while creating meaningful local impact.

Sabur joined the opening panel on 29 September, titled “Bridging Boundaries: Building a Collaborative Ecosystem for Workforce Readiness and Social Impact”. University of Birmingham Dubai Provost Professor Yusra Mouzughi moderated the session.

Other panellists included American University of Ras Al Khaimah President Professor Bassam Alameddine and Ajman University Chancellor Dr Karim Seghir, both from the UAE.

The panel also featured British University in Egypt Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Employability and Dean Professor Ahmed Elseragy; UAE Education, Human Development and Community Council Senior Adviser for Labour Market and Education Policy Dr Kinan Bahnassi; and McGraw Hill International Senior Director for Marketing, Product and Sales Enablement in Higher Education Morwenna Crago.

The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation among universities, industry, government and civil society to improve workforce readiness, promote innovation and deliver measurable social impact.

“Our responsibility is not only to prepare graduates for employment, but to empower them to innovate, create opportunities and contribute to society,” Sabur said.

DIU said his participation reflected the university’s continued engagement with international higher education networks and its focus on connecting academic collaboration with practical outcomes, global employability and societal development.