Sharjah International Summit On Improvement In Education Launches Strategy For Educational Excellence
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 4th Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education at the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) in University City. The event featured two significant agreements: one between SEA and Invest Bank, and another between the Sharjah Private Education Authority and Air Arabia, aiming to enhance educational collaboration in the emirate.
The summit, themed "Promising Horizons," is a joint effort by the Sharjah Education Academy and the Sharjah Private Education Authority. It aims to explore innovative strategies by analysing best practices that improve educational outcomes. This two-day event serves as a platform for collaboration among educators, policymakers, and leaders to share insights and shape Sharjah's educational future.
The summit marked the launch of the Sharjah Private Education Authority’s Strategy 2025–2028. This strategy focuses on improving educational quality, fostering innovation, and reinforcing academic excellence within private institutions. The strategy outlines four main priorities: enhancing community quality of life, building trust in education quality, promoting continuous learning culture, and boosting competitiveness in education.
During his keynote address, expert Gerd Leonhard discussed education and sustainable learning in relation to artificial intelligence (AI). He highlighted AI's crucial role in education by offering extensive scientific resources that can enhance learning experiences and outcomes. His insights underscored AI's potential to revolutionise educational methods.
Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of SEA and the Sharjah Private Education Authority, expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for his unwavering support for education. She highlighted three essential pillars driving educational advancement: teacher development inspired by Finland's model, early childhood education emphasis, and continuous improvement culture.
Sharjah places great importance on early childhood education by providing comprehensive support for young learners. Government-run nurseries with modern facilities reflect this commitment. Inspired by advanced systems from countries like Finland and Singapore, Sharjah embraces continuous improvement across all educational stages.
Strategic Partnerships for Advancement
On the sidelines of the summit, His Highness witnessed an agreement between SEA and Invest Bank signed by Khawla Al Hosani and Idris Al Rafi. This agreement provides 187 scholarships for participants in Early Childhood Education Certification at SEA. This initiative highlights both parties' commitment to advancing regional education through community-driven efforts.
An additional agreement was signed between the Sharjah Private Education Authority and Air Arabia by Ali Al Hosani and Adel Abdullah Ali. Part of "Stand for Teachers," this initiative offers exclusive benefits like travel discounts for educators to support their well-being and professional growth.
International Collaboration
The summit features participation from experts representing leading universities worldwide. It includes 13 specialized workshops before its official opening with prominent education experts discussing modern techniques and technologies aimed at empowering educators and improving learning outcomes.
Tuula Johanna Yrjola, Ambassador of Finland to the UAE, delivered a keynote speech highlighting His Highness's focus on education as a means for individual empowerment and community development. She praised Sharjah’s adherence to high standards in educational quality while continuously enhancing its frameworks.
A Visionary Approach
Dr Elizabeth Stee from Harvard University spoke about enhancing educational outcomes through three pillars: thinking big, taking small steps, and fast learning. She emphasized embracing ambitious visions while advocating thoughtful actions for meaningful progress in education.
The summit included a visual presentation titled "Sharjah Through the Eyes of Its Children," showcasing Amna Al Shamsi’s journey from government nurseries to studying cybersecurity at University of Sharjah. This story reflects His Highness's vision supporting students from early childhood through higher education attainment.
The event concluded with a visual presentation on key elements of the Strategy 2025–2028 by the Sharjah Private Education Authority viewed by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi during his visit at this significant gathering focused on shaping future-ready educational systems through dialogue among diverse educators globally.
With inputs from WAM


