Title: Letter to Bologna Policy
Author: ahmad

The Bologna Secretariat:

Greetings and hope all is well.

I am writing to you, as the contact person in Jordan for the Bologna Policy Forum, regarding the two matters which you have requested: a) suggested topics for the Third Bologna Policy Forum to be held in Bucharest in April 2012, and b) feedback on the logistics and contents of the Second Bologna Policy Forum held in Vienna in March 2010. Please note that, in writing what follows, I have consulted with His Excellency Professor Walid Maani, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Jordan, who attended the Second Bologna Policy Forum, representing Jordan.

A) Suggestions for the Third Bologna Policy Forum:
1. It would be a good idea to offer an in-depth assessment of the pros and cons – the successes and the shortcomings – of the Bologna Process to date. Now that more than ten years have passed since the launching of the Bologna Declaration in 1999 (by 2012, it will be more than twelve years), there needs to be a detailed report on where the Bologna Process has made real impact, where it has not be effective, and where it has either failed or created unforeseen complications. Those who are happy with the Bologna Process, why specifically are they happy; and those who are critical, why specifically are they critical? It would be a good idea, when conducting such as assessment, to include the views not only of European stakeholders but also of others from the international community who are engaged with Bologna, so that the assessment can have two dimensions: a European and an International one.

2. It would be a good idea to include round-table sessions specifically for those from outside the European continent (but to include some representatives from Europe) to discuss a) a deeper engagement with the Bologna Process and b) the possibility of starting a similar process (drawing on Bologna but tailoring it to fit the needs of their specific regions(s)). His Excellency Professor Maani, who actively participated in and contributed to, the Second Bologna Policy Forum, is excited about the possibility of starting "an Arab Bologna Process." In fact, he is already working on the idea of inviting a number of Ministers of Higher Education in the Arab World, to start a debate on the matter. A session in the Third Bologna Policy Forum devoted to such a matter, will give his efforts a good boost. Others from other regions may also wish to do the same thing.

B) Feedback on the Second Bologna Policy Forum
1. The topics raised, and the presentations delivered, were both relevant and beneficial. Of special relevance and importance were the round-table sessions which enabled the participants (especially the heads of delegations) to exchange views, compare notes, and brainstorm on a variety of matters: brain drain, networking, the relevance of Bologna to the various regions of the world, etc.

2. In general, the arrangements and the logistics went well. Two things, however, did not live up to expectations. A) The Ball, to which the participants came with high expectations (Vienna being famous for elegant balls), disappointed participants. It was poorly organized and executed.  After a brief good start, everything came to an abrupt  halt and the hosts and the participants left early, to the disappointment of all. It was not worth the preparations and the efforts people made to come to it.  B) The heads of the delegations and their accompanying members experienced real difficulties and unnecessary hassle to get to both the Ball and the meetings venue, due to demonstrations. While the demonstrations were to be expected, no noticeable arrangements on part of the hosts were made to escort even the heads of the delegations to the site. The police were not only not helpful, but at times they were diverting the delegates away from the site. It was a journey of confusion and frustration, from the hotel to the site.

Dr. Ahmad Y. Majdoubeh
The Bologna Policy Forum Contact Person in Jordan