DOHA: Qatar has chaired the 14th session of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) Conference for Arab Ministers of Education, held under the title, 'Inclusive Education and Empowering Teachers: A Strategic Vision for Education in the Arab World'.
The conference was organized by ALECSO in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education, as well as Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science.
In her opening speech, Minister of Education and Higher Education and Chairperson of Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science HE Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, highlighted numerous challenges faced by the education sector worldwide, including in Arab countries.
She acknowledged the notable progress made since beginning of millennium in improving academic achievement and ensuring equal access to formal education. However, she also pointed out the barriers encountered, especially in keeping pace with rapidly advancing digital technology, expansion of scientific disciplines, and the need to train teachers capable of transferring knowledge to the next generation.
The minister explained that this conference represents an effort to enhance and develop the quality of education by providing an opportunity to exchange successful experiences and build effective partnerships between Arab countries. It also aims to review emerging trends in education and find innovative solutions to overcome challenges, ensuring a brighter future for future generations. She emphasized that the theme of this year’s conference reflects an ambitious and renewed vision to achieve inclusive education as a fundamental right for all, and to empower teachers to become effective leaders in education.
She also stressed that education is a central pillar in achieving sustainable development and social justice due to its positive impact on building and developing individuals' capacities. It equips learners with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to drive the desired changes toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. High-quality education requires attention to teachers, who are the cornerstone of the educational process. This requires continuous training, professional development, and support, which enhances teachers' abilities to keep up with modern educational trends and technological developments, improving student outcomes.
She also highlighted Qatar’s initiatives aimed at empowering teachers both before and during their service, including (Tamheen), (Tamkeen), and (Leaders Pathway) programs through Teach for Qatar foundation, which prepares training programs designed for those looking to transition into the teaching profession and contribute to building the future. Furthermore, she mentioned (Successful beginning) program, which supports new teachers for a full year, helping them develop their skills and abilities. Additionally, Qatar launched Teachers Fellowship Program (Khebrat), which provides high-quality educational and training opportunities for teachers to elevate the teaching profession, especially in the face of technological advancements and challenges.
She also referred to launch of Qatar's e-learning strategy in 2022 and the introduction of initiatives and curricula focused on cybersecurity, enhancing digital citizenship awareness, and ensuring data security, in efforts to protect youth from the dangers of unsafe internet usage. She acknowledged the unprecedented challenges faced by Arab region in recent years, including efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and effects of conflicts that have deprived millions of children of educational opportunities. According to the World Bank, schools in the region were closed for an average of 22 weeks between 2020 and 2022 in response to the pandemic, equivalent to half a school year.
The minister also mentioned that numerous UN reports have indicated that 15 million children have left school due to escalating conflicts in the region, with the number expected to rise to 20 million in the next five years. She expressed hope that these conflicts, including the genocide against Palestinian people, will be resolved, allowing students to return to their schools and contribute to the development of their societies.
Moreover, she reviewed the significant efforts of Qatar Fund for Development, which has provided over one billion dollars in educational aid to more than 60 countries, as well as the work of "Education Above All" foundation through its "Educate a Child" initiative, which has enrolled over 15 million children in 57 countries around the world. These efforts reflect Qatar's steadfast commitment to supporting education both domestically and internationally.
Finally, she commended the role of ALECSO in uniting efforts to craft shared visions for the future of education in the Arab world, contributing to the well-being and sustainability of its people.
Director-General of ALECSO, Dr Mohamed Ould Amar said in a speech that the State of Qatar sets a model to be emulated in supporting and developing the education sector at all levels, appreciating the efforts of the MOEHE in adopting pioneering educational initiatives that enabled it to lead the global ranking of quality and excellence in education.
He highlighted the significant efforts made by the State of Qatar in implementing Arab and regional initiatives that have contributed to achieving inclusive Arab education. Notably, Qatar has hosted several events focused on e-learning, artificial intelligence, and application awards for people with disabilities in collaboration with Mada Center.
He reviewed the key efforts undertaken to ensure the success and distinction of the conference, which represents a qualitative addition to enhancing joint Arab efforts in the fields of education and training. This contributes to achieving SDGs, national and international commitments, as well as fostering the exchange of expertise and joint cooperation.
He explained that the theme of the conference serves to renew the commitment to achieving the fourth SDG, by fostering collective thinking on strategies to develop educational systems and formulate future plans that meet the needs of the modern era as well as keep pace with rapid global changes. He emphasized that inclusive education and empowering teachers are essential for achieving a positive transformation in the Arab education system. This can be accomplished through the implementation of comprehensive and well-thought-out strategies that build an educational system that promotes equality and equal opportunities for all, while contributing to the preparation of generations capable of facing future challenges and actively participating in societal development.
He pointed out that ALECSO seeks to enhance educational policies in Arab countries through the platform of high-level ministerial conferences, facilitating the exchange of experiences to coordinate efforts for advancing education. This is part of a strategic partnership with Arab joint action organizations, national government institutions, regional and international organizations, as well as civil society and NGOs involved in education sectors across the Arab world.
He highlighted that the major efforts being undertaken by ALECSO are in line with the directions of Arab governments and educational leadership, which have driven its major national projects. These aim to achieve both quantitative and qualitative progress in ensuring the "right to education" guaranteed by all constitutions, within a comprehensive, sustainable, and inclusive developmental framework. This official Arab focus on education reform is reflected in decisions from Arab summits, which call for comprehensive reforms, a fundamental transformation in education policies, and the advancement of scientific research.
Dr Amar also noted that the role of ALECSO is to support education in Arab countries through various programs aimed at developing educational systems, improving the level of teachers, and providing technical expertise to be an influential tributary in developing educational curricula, training educational cadres, and applying innovative educational methods that meet the needs of students in the digital age.
In this context, and in implementation of the decisions of the relevant Arab councils, ALECSO, at the request of the Arab League General Secretariat, is working on developing a "Visionary Plan for the Development and Enhancement of Education in the Arab World 2026-2035." This plan aims to serve as a key reference for Arab countries, ensuring a qualitative leap in education. It focuses on updating curricula to make them more flexible, aligned with contemporary times, responsive to student needs, and compatible with labor market demands.
He reaffirmed ALECSO's commitment to strengthening the status of the Arabic language, considering it one of humanity's greatest languages. Its roots stretch deep into history and carry a rich cultural heritage filled with knowledge and thought. However, he acknowledged that the Arabic language today faces new challenges, requiring a reevaluation of how to support its position amid the technological revolution and the digital transformation, which have become realities affecting all aspects of life, including the education sector.
In turn, Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Education Department at the Arab League Dr Faraj Al Ajmi said that teachers play a pivotal role in promoting comprehensive education and must be knowledgeable about diverse learning needs, differentiated teaching, and universal design for learning.
Dr Al Ajmi said that empowering teachers is a key part of comprehensive education's success given that teachers are at the heart of the success of any education system, as such, he stressed the need to provide teachers with continuous training, resources, and support in order to help them acquire new skills to keep up with students' evolving needs and improving the overall quality of education.
The Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Education Department at the Arab League described education as being the cornerstone for nations aspiring to achieve prosperity and progress, stating that a country that possesses a developed education system is also one that excels in all fields social, cultural, economic, and political yielding qualitative educational outcomes and producing an able and active society.
Dr Al Ajmi added that education is a comprehensive process with multiple dimensions and that it is a shared responsibility shouldered by the government, the family, civil society, and the private sector.
He also highlighted that inclusive education is one of the essential foundations for building strong and sustainable communities as it provides equal learning opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural backgrounds, with the aim of meeting the needs of all students by providing a flexible, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all.
The Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Education Department at the Arab League continued by saying that providing comprehensive education and empowering teachers create a fair and inclusive educational environment that enables students of all backgrounds to reach their full potential and unlock their creativity and innovation, which in turn establishes adaptable communities in face of future challenges.
In the same context, Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco HE Mohamed Saad Berrada, President of the 13th ALECSO Conference for Arab Ministers of Education said that the conference's theme was chosen to highlight the importance of supporting efforts for the reform and development underway here, as part of joint efforts to advance education in Arab countries, praising in this context the State of Qatar's significant effort in successfully organizing this conference and ensuring its smooth execution.
Minister Berrada said that this conference takes place in an exceptional context marked by ongoing and troubling events in some parts of the Arab world, which have repercussions on various aspects of life, especially on education and particularly in the Palestinian territories, adding that the tragic situation in the Palestinian territories, namely in Gaza and the regional and international challenges it poses, puts the international community's conscience into question.
The Moroccan Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports said that this tragic situation calls for a decisive intervention for an immediate, comprehensive, and sustainable ceasefire, along with more collective efforts to support and protect human rights in the Palestinian territories, implement relevant UN resolutions, and show full respect for international law.
Minister Berrada reiterated his country's position in support of the Palestinian cause, considering it the key to peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and said that Morocco stands in full solidarity and unconditional support for the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent state based on the 1967-borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, within the framework of the internationally agreed-upon two-state solution.
In her remarks on the sidelines of the conference sessions, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the MoEHE Maha Zayed Qaqaa Al Ruwaili emphasized that this event focuses in particular on discussing the best ways to develop educational policies, infrastructure, educational structures, human cadres, and curricula. She noted that this exchange contributes to enhancing cooperation between Arab countries to achieve a common vision for the future of education, and emphasizes the importance of coordinating Arab efforts to develop education in a manner that is consistent with the challenges and changes facing the Arab world.
She pointed out that the conference witnessed, in its active sessions, the presentation of new ideas and visions related to the development of educational and research programs aimed at improving educational outcomes, especially in the areas of digital transformation and comprehensive education. She added that the discussions held within the conference were full of new developments and advancements witnessed by some Arab countries in the education sector, as it shed light on successful experiences in implementing comprehensive education policies, in addition to digital innovations that contribute to improving the quality of education. It also presented the policies adopted by countries to improve educational outcomes in the areas of scientific research and academic education.
She noted that the conference focused on formulating future visions for the Arab education system, in line with the requirements of national and international agendas such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. She indicated that the conference emphasized the need for the integration of roles between all stakeholders in the education sector, including governments, teachers, international organizations, and the private sector to achieve educational development goals and raise the level of education in Arab countries.
Al Ruwaili also considered this conference a starting point for a new phase of joint and continuous work between Arab countries. It is also an important support for the educational system in the region and contributes to directing educational policies towards the future in a way that ensures the provision of integrated and comprehensive education that meets the needs of students in the Arab world and contributes to preparing a workforce capable of facing the challenges of the future.
