DOHA: Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, hosted the 30th meeting of the Committee of Vocational Education and Training Officials in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to complete the follow-up of the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the Ministers of Education in the field of vocational education and training, and to exchange experiences and best practices among Member States and stand on the latest developments in the field of vocational education and training.
In his speech at the meeting, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education HE Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi stressed the importance of supporting the Gulf labour market and enhancing its competitiveness locally and globally through vocational education and training to achieve Gulf integration in various disciplines and fields, and exchanging expertise and pioneering experiences in the field of vocational education to meet the aspirations of leaders and peoples of the countries of the region at all levels.
The Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat Eng Abdullah bin Ali Al Rabie, in his speech, underscored the shared vision and cooperation among the Member States, particularly in the face of technological advancements and the need to enhance vocational education and training. His speech highlighted the importance of continuous development and improvement in these areas for the prosperity and leadership of the GCC States.
Chaired by Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs Maha Zayed Al Ruwaili, the meeting discussed the topics on its agenda, including the comprehensive survey of current programs in the areas of technical and vocational labour market needs and artificial intelligence, future programs and projects to confront disasters and pandemics, and the Gulf Skills Competition to be hosted by the State of Qatar in 2025, in addition to the future visions and guidelines for the system of qualifications, standards and professional tests.
The meeting also reviewed Member States' experiences in vocational education and training, the guiding framework for small and medium enterprises (incubators), and how to benefit from global practices in the technical and vocational field through international cooperation and other topics.
The officials of GCC Vocational Education and Training Committee learned about the distinguished Qatari experience in the field of vocational and technical education and training, as the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, represented by the Educational Affairs Sector - Vocational, Technical and Specialized Education Department, organized a field visit for them to Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys, Qatar Technical Secondary School for Boys, and Qatar Scientific Club, to identify the progress made by Qatar in this regard.