Dubai: The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE Dubai) marking a significant step towards strengthening collaboration in education, inclusion, and awareness in Para sport across Asia and Europe.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in key areas such as education programmes, internships, seminars, and institutional exchanges. Through this partnership, both organisations will work on short courses, executive education, and certification programmes, while creating opportunities for student placements to support APC operations, events, and research.
The collaboration will also include seminars, workshops, and events focused on capacity building, governance, and knowledge exchange, alongside institutional visits to strengthen collaboration and exposure. The partnership aligns closely with the APC's strategic priorities to educate and empower its members, while fostering good governance, capacity building, and meaningful knowledge exchange within the Para sport ecosystem.
The MoU was signed virtually by Majid Rashed, President of Asian Paralympic Committee, and Prof. Dr. Maurits Van Rooijen, President of the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, while the ceremony was witnessed by APC CEO Tarek Souei. In his opening remarks, APC President Rashed emphasized the significance of this collaboration in expanding education and development initiatives within the Paralympic Movement.
Prof. Dr. van Rooijen highlighted that the partnership reflects shared values and a common vision for sport and education integration. He emphasized the inseparable link between sport and education, noting that sport fosters skills such as leadership, resilience, and teamwork, while education provides the foundation for sustainable success.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the APC Academy and education portfolio, enhance capacity building for National Paralympic Committees, support youth, leadership, and inclusion initiatives, and position the APC within academic and innovation ecosystems across Europe and the Middle East.