Third Khalifa Award For Education International Conference Concludes In Abu Dhabi

The General Secretariat of the Khalifa Award for Education recently concluded its third international conference, titled "Education as a Pathway from Empowerment to the Future." Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa Award for Education, the conference brought together experts and specialists from the UAE, the Arab world, and beyond.The conference focused on various aspects of education development, including revolutionary global experiences in early education and the use of advanced technology and artificial intelligence in education. Through main sessions and applied workshops, research and scientific studies were presented and discussed.Amal Al-Afifi, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education, highlighted that the second day of the conference featured a main session titled "Education Policies, Structures and Systems: Policies and the Future of Education." This session was moderated by Dr. Kareema Al Mazrouei, Advisor to the chancellor of Mohammed Bin Zayed University for the Humanities.During this session, guest speaker Mohieddin Touq, Director of the National Council for Curriculum in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, emphasized that education is a fundamental human right and a long-term strategic investment in the future. He stated that education represents state strength, sustainable growth, and prosperity for individuals and society as a whole. Touq further explained that nations have recognized the importance of education and have made significant changes to their educational systems to promote inclusiveness, enhance education quality, and adapt to societal needs. These changes have impacted education policies, curricula, teaching methods, evaluation systems, academic environments, and organizational structures.Touq also highlighted the increasing competition between countries for intellectual and scientific assets. As a result, there is a greater emphasis on developing students' creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial capabilities. He emphasized that skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and creativity are essential for success in the twenty-first century.The conference included several key sessions with guest speakers such as Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mualla, Under-secretary for Academic Affairs at the Ministry of Education, and Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Director of Mohammed Bin Zayed University for the Humanities. These sessions focused on education policies, structures, and systems, and their connection to the evolving education sector and technological advancements.Additionally, the conference featured three significant sessions that explored "The Future of Education: integrating the Role of Educational Institutions and Society," "Public and University Education, and Postgraduate Studies: Future Achievements and Developments," and "Best Practices in Education." These sessions were moderated by Dr. Suaad Al Suwaidi, Dr. Shamma Al Naqbi, and Dr. Nawaf Al-Mousa, respectively. Prominent guest speakers included Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Muhammad Al Asmi, Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, Dr. Ghaleb Al Rifai, Dr. May Al Taee, Dr. Constantine Andoniou, and Walid Nsouli.The experts participating in these sessions discussed their insights into the development of the education system and its alignment with technological advancements. They also addressed the challenges faced in this development and proposed mechanisms for academic institutions to continuously adapt to these changes.In addition to the sessions, the conference offered practical workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of administrative and teaching staff and empowering parents to keep up with advancements in education. These workshops focused on utilizing advanced technology and artificial intelligence in education.The first day of workshops included sessions on "The Role of the Family in Enabling the Child to Make Decisions and Bear Responsibility" by Dr. Sarah Al Saadi and "The Role of Educational Awards in Improving the Quality of Education" by Dr. Jameela Khanji. On the second day, Dr. Sadiq Madraj presented a workshop on "Adaptive Learning: Designing Education for Gifted Learners and Students with Learning Challenges," and Jihad Al-Saadi conducted a workshop on "Mastering Digital Skills in Social Media to Improve the Quality of Education."The conference provided a platform for experts and specialists to exchange knowledge and insights on education development. By focusing on innovative approaches, advanced technology, and inclusive policies, the conference aimed to shape the future of education and empower individuals and societies.Overall, the conference highlighted the importance of education as a pathway to empowerment and emphasized the need for continuous adaptation to meet the evolving needs of students and society. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to excellence, the education sector can play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous future for all.

With inputs from WAM