jordan pulse -

Amman Ahliyya University (AAU) and the global Accor Group signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at strengthening partnership in practical training, developing academic programs, and aligning university education outcomes with the needs of the hospitality and hotel management sector.
​The memorandum was signed on behalf of AAU by the Acting President of the University, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hamdan, and on behalf of Accor Group by Mrs. Verona Naidoo, Vice President of Talent & Culture for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey.
​The signing ceremony was attended by several representatives from Accor Group, including Mr. Khaled Bani Amer (Director of Talent & Culture for GCC & Levant), Mr. Michael Nugent (VP of Operations for Levant, Gulf & Pakistan), Mr. Ayman Rashid (General Manager of Mövenpick Amman and Mövenpick Al Zaytoon Baghdad), and Mrs. Safa Rahal (Cluster Director of Marketing & Communication for Mövenpick Hotels Jordan). Representing the university was Chef Jihan Sahawneh, Executive Director at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
​Key Provisions of the Memorandum:
​Academic Development: Developing and reviewing academic programs to keep pace with the rapid advancements in the hospitality sector.
​Practical Training: Supporting practical training and work-integrated learning at Accor Group facilities across the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey.
​Career Opportunities: Providing training and potential employment opportunities for the university’s students and graduates in accordance with Accor’s recruitment policies.
​Professional Engagement: Participating in career days and professional events organized by the university, as well as delivering specialized lectures and workshops to enrich students' academic and professional experiences.
​Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hamdan emphasized that this partnership represents a strategic step toward enhancing applied education and opening broader horizons for students to benefit from the expertise of one of the world's largest hotel groups, preparing them to compete in local, regional, and international labor markets.
​SheLeads Levant Initiative Launched
​The signing of the memorandum coincided with the launch of the SheLeads Levant initiative, where Chef Jihan Sahawneh was honored and selected as an honorary ambassador for the initiative in the Levant region. This recognition comes in appreciation of her prominent role in empowering women, enhancing their presence in the hospitality and culinary arts sectors, and supporting female leadership in vocational education and training.