Dr. Karakhanyan highlighted a sector in transformation: globally, quality assurance systems are shifting toward models that prioritize learning outcomes, graduate competencies, and alignment with labor‑market needs. This evolution reflects a broader push for relevance, flexibility, and accountability in higher education. A key emerging trend is the rise of cross‑border quality assurance, driven by increased international mobility, transnational education, and the global circulation of qualifications.

While promising, this trend also introduces challenges, particularly regarding whether international quality assurance agencies fully grasp local educational, cultural, and regulatory contexts. These gaps have direct implications for qualifications' recognition, especially in regions striving to strengthen regional and continental frameworks. For Africa, the insights shared during the session carry significant strategic value.

They inform ongoing efforts to enhance tertiary education quality, bolster confidence in national and regional qualifications frameworks, and ensure that graduates are equipped for participation in both African and global labor markets. The findings offer timely guidance for policymakers, regulators, and institutions working to advance quality and recognition systems across the continent and beyond.