Doha hosts 11th WISE Summit: Unveiling solutions for global education challenges

At the recently concluded 11th WISE Summit in Doha, the discussions were buzzing with a range of crucial global issues. From finding solutions to the ongoing global conflicts to tackling the challenges closer to home in places like Gaza and the West Bank, the summit delved into pressing matters. Other key topics that took the spotlight included the rehabilitation of children in war-torn countries, leveraging AI for educational needs, boosting student enrolment, and identifying out-of-school girls.

The event, organised by the Qatar Foundation in collaboration with Education Above All, brought together a diverse group of participants. Scholars, policymakers, administrators, scientists, educators, start-up founders, and students from across the globe gathered to share their experiences and insights. The session kicked off with an opening address by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. The theme of the summit was Creative Fluency: Human Flourishing in the Age of AI.

With over 2,000 education industry stakeholders in attendance, the WISE Summit provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the global education landscape. HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser underscored the importance of innovation to address the evolving challenges faced by education systems worldwide.

A significant focus of the summit was directed towards the education of displaced students in Gaza. In solidarity with the struggles in the region, a model of Al Fakhoora Dynamic Futures Programme was set up at the Qatar National Convention Centre, paying tribute to the Al Fakhoora house destroyed by bombing in October 2023.

During a session on ‘education in the time of war,’ Jeffrey Sachs, a prominent figure in sustainable development and economics, called for immediate control over the actions of powerful nations. He emphasised the need for the strong implementation of resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council, particularly in the context of the enduring conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank.

Expanding the discussion to global conflicts, Sachs stressed the importance of adhering to international laws to prevent further loss of lives. He expressed the US stance, advocating for justice and peace while urging the implementation of solutions to prevent further casualties.

Shifting the focus to the impact of AI on education and employment, experts at the summit called for innovative strategies to reshape educational approaches. HE Buthaina Bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, Qatar, shared insights into Qatar’s national AI strategy. This includes a curriculum designed to seamlessly integrate AI into classrooms, with a strong focus on STEM and e-learning.

Former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović highlighted the importance of strategic international collaborations to address the lack of regulation in AI usage. She emphasized potential dangers and the responsibility of the industry to prevent misuse, citing the growing influence of the dark web in various sectors.

The summit’s opening ceremony was marked by the prestigious WISE Prize for Education being awarded to Safeena Husain, founder of Educate Girls. Recognised for dedicating 16 years to empowering communities for girls’ education in challenging Indian villages, Husain’s work resonated with the summit’s overarching theme of addressing global education challenges.