The Regional Conference of Western Universities was held on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, at the Directorate of the University of Oran 1 “Ahmed Ben Bella”. The conference was presided over by Pr.Ahmed CHALLAL, Rector of the University of Oran 2 and President of the Regional Conference of Western Universities, with the participation of directors of higher education institutions from across western Algeria.

The meeting focused on preparations for the 2026–2027 academic year and on strengthening coordination and consultation among higher education institutions, with a view to ensuring the necessary conditions for a smooth start to the new academic year.

A number of priority issues were on the agenda, including preparations for the new academic year, the readiness of educational facilities and infrastructure, academic staffing, and the measures required to ensure suitable conditions for the start of the academic year.

New programmes and teaching hours

The conference also examined new university programmes introduced at undergraduate and Master’s level, as well as the organisation of teaching timetables and teaching hours. Particular attention was given to institutions and university cities where teaching periods need to be extended, in order to make effective use of available infrastructure and resources.

The integration of new subjects and programmes into university curricula was also discussed, including Lean Startup and History and Citizenship.

The expansion of English-language teaching was another item on the agenda, with discussions focusing on the preparation of training programmes aimed at improving lecturers’ proficiency in English.

University services and other issues

On university services, discussions covered the readiness of university residences and restaurants, the monitoring of ongoing works, as well as university transport.

Under miscellaneous matters, the conference also addressed a number of related issues, including the organisation of international scientific events, the monitoring of subsidiary institutions (Filiales), the ProtoMarket Challenge, preparations for the social start of the academic year, and the Study in Algeria initiative.

The conference provided an opportunity for university officials to exchange views on the main challenges facing the new academic year and to discuss ways of strengthening coordination among higher education institutions in western Algeria.

The meeting forms part of the efforts of the supervisory ministry to ensure an organised and successful start to the academic year, based on anticipation, coordination and continuous improvement in quality.