Participants at the Fourth International Educational Conference, organised yesterday by the Gulf Arab States Educational Research Centre (GASERC) in Kuwait, have called for a comprehensive reassessment of educational aims, content and delivery methods. The conference, titled “Transforming Education: Opportunities and Challenges for Enhancing the Future of Education in the GCC States”, highlighted the necessity of equipping educators with the knowledge, skills and values essential for life, work and sustainable development.

His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), took part in the discussions aimed at reevaluating educational goals and frameworks essential for imparting necessary knowledge, skills and values. He underlined that this is particularly pertinent in light of the need to prepare future generations to confront the challenges of a new era, mentioning that the fast-paced developments in modern technologies and significant transformations at both economic and societal levels necessitate a redefinition of the educational system, ensuring it is fit to meet the demands of the 21st century and to enhance students’ abilities to innovate and adapt to the profound changes occurring globally.

Additionally, Dr Al Fuhaid expressed his pride in the State of Kuwait hosting this important conference that gathered prominent academics, experts, researchers, educational leaders, and specialists in the field of education. He praised the substantial support provided by the Kuwaiti government to the educational system, as well as the commitment of the leaders of the GCC states in strengthening this framework across various areas of mutual concern. He also appreciated the backing received by AGU from His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, and His Highness Shaikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, the Crown Prince.

On the occasion, he stated: “Such conferences provide a platform for meaningful discussions, facilitating the proposal of innovative ideas and quality solutions for the advancement of education and addressing the challenges it faces, while also exploring its most prominent future features.” 

He further highlighted that the conference deliberated on the future of education in the GCC in light of rapid technological advancements, economic shifts, and social changes, noting that education has evolved beyond merely delivering knowledge, as it now encompasses the development of life skills and innovative capabilities that are crucial for adapting to the demands of the modern age.

The conference featured participation from 21 international academic entities, attended by senior Gulf officials, alongside extensive involvement from the Ministries of Education across the GCC states. Delegates explored key themes related to educational transformation, the relevance of educational objectives amidst current changes, as well as topics concerning education, teachers' issues, digital transformation, and educational funding, with a focus on enhancing efficiency.

As a result of their discussions, conference participants put forward several recommendations that emphasise the urgent need to transform education within the Gulf states. They called on Ministries of Education to take necessary, coordinated, and integrated measures in this regard, highlighting the importance of supporting and empowering teachers to lead educational reform and restructure the teaching profession. 

Additionally, they advocated for the digital transformation of education to align with educational goals and stressed the need for adequate funding while focusing on improving the efficiency of educational expenditure to enhance educational outcomes.