build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization
and foster innovation to drive economic development, create jobs, and improve human well-being while minimizing environmental harm
- Develop sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure that supports long-term socio-economic growth.
- Promote inclusive and environmentally responsible industrialization to ensure equitable development.
- Enhance access to financial services and markets, particularly for small and medium enterprises.
- Modernize industries and infrastructure to align with sustainability and efficiency standards.
- Strengthen research, innovation, and technological advancement within industrial sectors.
- Facilitate sustainable infrastructure development in developing countries through international cooperation and capacity building.
- Support domestic technology development, industrial diversification, and value addition across key sectors.
- Ensure universal access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) to bridge the digital divide and promote innovation.
The 40th Arab International Conference on the theme “Digital Transformation in Admission and Registration Services” was held from December 18 to 20, 2023, at Carthage Thalasso, Cité El Khadra, Tunisia. It was organized by the University of Tunis El Manar in partnership with the Arab Organization for Admission Officials.
The program included an opening session and six working sessions addressing the following topics:
- The importance of internal auditing in admission services to protect against fraud.
- The professional skills of staff and their adaptation to digital changes.
- The use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in academic guidance.
- Challenges faced by international students and the recognition of their qualifications.
- The management of students’ digital data and issues related to displaced students.
- The development of quality standards for admission services.
The 22nd session of the University Council for the 2020–2023 term, chaired by Professor Moez Chafra, was held on December 15, 2023. The meeting addressed several key topics, including:
- Presentation of the university’s information system.
- Discussion on research ethics at the University of Tunis El Manar and its affiliated institutions.
- Overview of the U-Accelerator platform for innovation and technology transfer.
The Student Entrepreneur Center (P2E) of the University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) organized three informative sessions held respectively on October 25, 2023, at ENIT, December 2, 2023, at ISSBAT, and December 6, 2023, at FSEGT. These sessions successfully introduced participants to the Student Entrepreneur Center (P2E) and the National Student Entrepreneur Status (SNEE), outlining its levels, benefits, and eligibility criteria. They also presented the key steps and timelines for joining the first cohort of student entrepreneurs. Furthermore, UTM alumni entrepreneurs shared their experiences by presenting their projects and success stories, providing valuable insights and motivation to participants aspiring to transform their entrepreneurial ideas into viable ventures.
The National Erasmus+ Agency Tunisia, in collaboration with the universities of Greater Tunis—including the University of Tunis El Manar, Zitouna University, University of Tunis, University of Carthage, University of Manouba, and the Virtual University of Tunis (UVT)—as well as the General Directorate of Technological Studies, organized an information and training session on Erasmus+ in higher education titled “Introduction to Project Development.” The session aimed to promote innovation and collaboration among higher education institutions and to strengthen the capacities of stakeholders involved in project design and implementation within the Erasmus+ framework.
The National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT), University of Tunis El Manar, organized the 25th edition of its Business Forum on November 22, 2023, under the theme “Engineering Innovation Hub.” This edition fostered discussions on:
- The role of innovation in creating national economic champions.
- The talents, skills, and engineering careers essential for successful innovation.
- Emerging fields of innovation, including Technology, Sustainability, and Business Models.
On November 17, 2023, Professor Moez Chafra, President of the University of Tunis El Manar, presided over a welcoming ceremony for new students awarded scholarships for the 2023–2024 academic year. During this event, he commended the efforts of the project team—faculty, administrative staff, and students—who were presented with certificates of appreciation. The “AFRIDI” project (Projet d’Appui à la Formation, à la Recherche et à l’Innovation pour le Développement Intra-Afrique) aims to support training, research, and innovation for sustainable development among African countries by aligning educational systems and strengthening the skills and expertise of master’s and doctoral students.
On April 19, 2023, a partnership agreement was signed between the University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) to support the launch of the Student Entrepreneur Center. The agreement was formalized by Mr. Moez Chafra, President of UTM, and Mr. Mejdi Ayari, Senior Project Manager at AUF. This partnership reinforces UTM’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial initiatives by offering students expanded opportunities and benefits through the student-entrepreneur status.
On September 6, 2023, the University of Tunis El Manar hosted the UTM-Innov award ceremony, recognizing outstanding student innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiative is part of the PAQGAGE project, funded by Promesse and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in collaboration with the BIAT Foundation for Youth, Connect’Innov, the Tunis International Center for Digital Cultural Economy, and the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations Tunisia.
Held on June 5, 2023, at ISSBAT, University of Tunis El Manar, the 4C ISSBAT, in collaboration with PAQ GREEn and INJAZ TUNISIE, organized the event “Student Today, Entrepreneur Tomorrow.” Nine student teams presented their social innovation projects before a jury as part of the third edition of INJAZ TUNISIE’s Company Program, competing for a place in the final round. The day also featured a local fair showcasing small businesses launched by ISSBAT students and graduates, highlighting their entrepreneurial creativity and community impact.
As part of the initiative “A Step Toward Universal Access to Information and Communications Technology,” the Student Entrepreneur Center (P2E-UTM) at the University of Tunis El Manar organized a Training of Trainers program for its referents. Conducted in collaboration with ENDA Inter-Arabe, the training focused on effective methodologies for supporting startups. This program strengthens educators’ and mentors’ capacity to guide young entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and digital inclusion across the university community.
As part of the MedEcoSuRe project, a 71 kWp rooftop photovoltaic (PV) power plant was installed at the National School of Engineers of Tunis (ENIT). This installation supplies approximately 8% of the school’s total electricity consumption, representing a tangible step toward developing sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructures within the university’s energy management strategy.
At the 14th edition of INJAZ Tunisia’s National Competition “Les Entrepreneurs de Demain,” UTM students demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial talent. The Supclay team from the Civil Engineering program at ENIT earned the Best Young Company Award and went on to represent Tunisia at the regional competition in Qatar in November. Meanwhile, the Mulchair team from the Industrial Engineering program achieved the 2nd Prize for Best Innovation, highlighting UTM’s strong culture of creativity and applied innovation.
Held on May 3, 2023, at ENIT, University of Tunis El Manar, the 6th Edition of the Doctoral Students’ Day explored how scientific research contributes to enhancing business activities, particularly within the mobility and transportation sector, while addressing the challenges of the energy transition. The event was organized in partnership with GIZ Tunisia and supported by Safran Tunisia, fostering dialogue between academia, industry, and researchers on innovation-driven solutions for sustainable development.
Showcasing creativity and sustainability, the second edition of the Inno’Green competition was held on May 18, 2023, at IPEIEM under the PAQ-DEFI project. The event rewarded the most promising innovative and entrepreneurial initiatives, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly solutions and student-led innovation.
Marking a step toward innovation and inclusivity, the “IPEIEM Coworking Space” was inaugurated on January 1, 2024, at IPEIEM, University of Tunis El Manar. This new collaborative workspace supports several key objectives, including the development of sustainable and inclusive infrastructures, promotion of industrial innovation, and enhancement of research and technology transfer. Additionally, by providing access to modern digital tools and resources, the space contributes to universal access to information and communications technology, fostering collaboration and creativity among students and researchers.
