Int’l conference discusses education in digital era

Muscat: The International Conference on the Teaching Profession commenced on Wednesday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information. The conference provides a high-level platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange, addressing the future of education in the rapidly evolving digital era, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), and emphasising the pivotal role of teachers in shaping future generations.

Organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, the conference continues a successful knowledge journey launched through the Educational Research Forum, executed by the Specialised Institute for Teacher Professional Training. The event gathers policymakers, regional and international experts, researchers and educational practitioners to exchange best practices and strategies to advance Oman’s educational landscape and the wider Gulf region.

Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibani, Minister of Education (MoE), highlighted that the conference serves as a strategic platform to strengthen collaboration between GCC countries, regional and international organisations, and technology companies. She emphasised that education is undergoing a historic transformation in the AI era, making it a shared human responsibility and a key pillar for sustainable development. Advanced technologies are no longer merely supportive tools; they are influential in redefining learning, innovation and human capital development.

Dr Madiha praised GCC countries for their leadership in adopting digital transformation and investing in educational innovation, noting that these efforts have positioned them among the leading nations in education according to international standards. She affirmed that teachers remain the cornerstone of any sustainable education system, acting as lifelong learning leaders, facilitators of critical thinking, and catalysts for innovation.

Investing in teachers, she added, is the most vital and sustainable investment for the future of nations.

The conference also marked the launch of the Arabic version of the Global Teacher Report, prepared by Unesco in collaboration with the Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education, highlighting the critical role of the teaching profession.

Dr Salem bin Mohammed al Malak, Director-General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), expressed his congratulations to the minister for her achievements in both higher education and general education. He noted that the conference highlights global challenges, including teacher shortages and gaps in professional development, while emphasising the teacher’s essential role in fostering innovation and preparing future generations.

Dr Mohammed bin Saud al Muqbil, Director-General of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, praised Oman and the Ministry of Education for hosting the event, emphasising that the Gulf Teacher Forum reflects the member states’ commitment to sustainable education, teacher empowerment and effective use of AI to enhance educational outcomes. He also highlighted the forum’s role in providing a scientific space for knowledge exchange, professional development, and preparing teachers to contribute meaningfully to students’ learning and innovation.

The conference programme features three main themes: Educational Leadership and Learning Environments, Empowering Teachers in the Digital and AI Era, and Sustainable Professional Development.

Activities include high-level panel discussions, keynote addresses by international experts, teacher-led research presentations, practical workshops and an interactive educational exhibition.

The conference aims to showcase pioneering experiences in educational technology, enhance AI integration into teaching practices, support sustainable educational leadership, facilitate regional and international knowledge exchange and foster strategic partnerships between educational institutions and research centres.