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World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), a Qatar Foundation education think tank, has released 10 timely and comprehensive research reports, featuring action-oriented recommendations and policy guidance for stakeholders across the education industry. Produced in collaboration with recognised global thought leaders, the 2021 Research Series was informed by the unique challenges Covid-19 presented to education across the globe. WISE continues to lead an evidence-based exploration of current education challenges, in line with the priorities of the Qatar National Research Strategy. Its findings, many of which draw on Qatar as one of several case studies, highlighted the central need to place innovation and collaboration at the heart of all efforts to redesign current education models. Dr Asmaa Alfadala, director of research and content development at WISE, said: “We are immensely proud of the strong collaboration and resilience of our research teams, and of these new reports that have once again produced profound insights into the ever-changing education sector. Global education has been uniquely impacted by the pandemic, including in the way that our youth experience learning. The emerging research ecosystem is marked by an accelerated move to digital platforms and new ways of learning.” Four of the recently released reports explore education theory, policy, and practice in the context of Qatar’s education system. Hundreds of local education stakeholders have contributed their perspectives, resulting in locally-informed, globally-relevant research findings. Developed in partnership with Duke University and The Wellbeing Project, the Teacher Wellbeing Report undertook a scoping literature review and case studies in Cambodia, Kenya, and Qatar. It points to new emerging challenges, particularly during and post-pandemic, and aims to make a global contribution to the overlooked issue of teacher wellbeing. Revisiting Equity: Covid-19 and Education of Children with Disabilities, conducted with Cambridge University, analyses the impact of Covid-19-related school closures on the education of primary-school-aged children with disabilities. Data collected from over 100 parents and 142 teaching staff across 18 schools in Qatar shows a significant socio-emotional impact on both parents and children. The report advocates for action from policymakers to create more supportive at-home learning environments, ensuring undisrupted and equal access to education for every child. Developing Local Learning Ecosystems in Qatar to Advance Equity, Inclusion and Social Cohesion explores how learning ecosystems may evolve as new drivers of education in Qatar and beyond. By engaging over 150 local stakeholders as well as a selection of global experts, the research indicates that building purposeful collaboration across institutions and sectors can support shared learning goals, as schools are making the transition back to in-person learning. Through interviews with selected local stakeholders and experts, the Local Learning Ecosystems project also takes a look at the nature of leadership, collaboration and partnership in Qatar. The report features case studies of key organisations that are developing collaborative ecosystems across institutional boundaries, including Qatar Museums, INJAZ Qatar, Qatar Shell, Generation Amazing, Ibtechar, as well as Qatar Foundation's Higher Education, Renad Academy and HBKU Makers Majlis. The Embedding Innovation Labs in Schools as a Vehicle for Transformation in Education report addresses the challenge of changing education, offering practical insight on how to reap the benefits of innovation labs in schools. ‘How must we be educating our learners today to prepare for the complex world of tomorrow?’ is one of the questions posed. Authors and researchers will come together as part of several research presentations and ‘Meet the Authors’ events during WISE 2021, returning to Doha in a first-ever hybrid edition on December 7 and 9 under the theme ‘Generation Unmute: Reclaiming our Future through Education’.

The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) has announced Mary Robinson (pictured), former Irish president, as the first keynote speaker of its fourth global summit, to be held at Qatar National Convention Centre on November 13 and 14. WISH is an initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF). Robinson is currently a member of the Elders, a group of independent global leaders that includes former United Nations (UN) secretaries-general Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon, convened by Nelson Mandela in 2007 to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges.  Robinson was the first female president of Ireland, serving between 1990 and 1997. She has led a distinguished career, which has included serving as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She is also a recipient of the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience award, given in recognition of her work promoting human rights. As founder of the Mary Robinson Foundation for Climate Justice, which counts Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of QF, as a member of its international advisory board, Robinson has strong interest in the health impact of climate change. “I am honoured to be representing the Elders at WISH 2018 and look forward to discussing with global health leaders how we can accelerate progress towards universal health coverage. The Elders believe that this represents the best strategy to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal on good health and well-being,” Robinson said. WISH executive chair, Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham, noted: “We are delighted to welcome Mary Robinson to WISH 2018 to give a keynote address. With a long and distinguished career of championing human rights, social justice and healthcare issues at the highest level, she perfectly embodies WISH’s vision of bringing about a healthier world through global collaboration.”

The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), an initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF), will launch Doha Learning Week, Qatar’s first education festival tomorrow. The week-long festival is a collaboration of various local partners and celebrates local education initiatives and resources that are available to all. Doha Learning Week includes a series of workshops, movie screenings, exhibitions, tours, and performances. Doha Learning Week will conclude with the 2017 WISE Summit, which takes place from November 14-16 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, under the theme: ‘Co-Exist, Co-Create: Learning to Live and Work Together’. The week starts with ‘Generation Amazing Football’, an all-day activity from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. This is intended to engage all ages of students and parents to promote football as a catalyst for social change through fun exercises and skills building. It is taking place at Katara, from 2pm–9pm. The next event tomorrow is a career decision-making workshop presented by the Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC). Participants, including parents and students, will use practical tools and direct guidance to help identify potential academic and career paths. The workshop will be presented in both English and Arabic. QCDC, also an initiative of QF, provides consulting and training sessions in coaching and executive development. The workshop is taking place in Katara, Building 15, from 4pm - 6pm. Teach for Qatar will lead a workshop, ‘Teacher, why do we have to study math?’ to improve student and teacher engagement with math. The workshop is taking place in Katara, Building 15, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

The World Innovation Summit for Innovation (WISE), a global educational initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, has invited applications for the 2017-2018 WISE Accelerator programme.  All education projects that use or link technology are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is June 14. Projects from all sectors and regions of the world can apply for the  programme. The WISE Accelerator is a programme to support the development of innovative projects in education. Selected projects receive the guidance and expertise of qualified mentors and partners who provide effective strategies and practical support for their further  development. Each year, five projects are selected to join the one-year programme and they benefit from tailor-made mentorships to address their specific needs. In addition, the WISE Accelerator assists the selected projects to connect with an international network and create opportunities to share knowledge and find support among donors and investors. Projects in this particular field may cover a wide range of activities. From the conception of apps and digital games to the creation of online platforms or the design of new curricula and pedagogies integrating technology, all education projects that are using or linking technology can apply for the programme. According to a WISE statement, ideal candidates for the WISE Accelerator programme are: Existing projects at an early stage of development, and being established for at least two years; a significant and growing number of beneficiaries or customers as well as a record of activities with a product or service that has been successfully implemented and beyond proof of concept. The programme also looks for existing, stable revenues, and new opportunities for growth; a dedicated team, with an established physical space or office; deep knowledge of the market or education context and of their beneficiaries’ or customers’ needs. The projects should have clear future objectives and motivation to develop further as well as good understanding of the project’s current challenges in scaling.  All applications must be from original projects related to the field of education and technology only. The WISE Accelerator is not intended for new and untried ideas and such applications will not be considered. All applicants must complete, in English, the official online application form fully and provide detailed information on the educational activities of the project, as well as areas in which support may be required. The selection process will be done by a committee and based on a number of criteria. The WISE Accelerator Committee, composed of leading experts in education and social entrepreneurship, will conduct a rigorous selection process. The applications will be assessed according to the criteria of solution and innovation; strategy and management and development beyond proof of concept, and potential for growth. Selected projects will delegate a project representative who will personally engage with the WISE Accelerator programme team and mentors, participate and represent the project in the residential sessions and international conferences over the course of the year.

The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), a global initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, has invited educational projects for the WISE Accelerator Programme 2016-17. Applications must be submitted in English through www.wise-qatar.org/wise-accelerator by September 8.  All education projects that use or link technology to their projects can apply for the programme. The projects will be selected in November and announced in December. The WISE Accelerator is a programme designed to support the development of innovative projects in the field of education. It relies on the expertise of qualified mentors and partners to provide projects with effective strategies and concrete support in order to ensure their development. Each year, five projects are selected to join the programme. These are followed for one year, during which they benefit from tailor-made mentorship to address their specific needs. In addition, the WISE Accelerator serves as an intermediary to connect the selected projects to an international network that creates opportunities to share knowledge and find support from donors and investors. Ideal candidates for the programme are existing projects at an early stage of development. They could be projects established for at least two years with a significant and growing number of beneficiaries or customers with a record of activities of a product or service that has been successfully implemented and beyond proof of concept. The other attributes of the projects could be existing, stable revenues, and new opportunities for growth; a dedicated team, with an established physical space or office; deep knowledge of the market or educational context and of their beneficiaries’ or customers’ needs; clear future objectives and motivation to develop further and good understanding of the project’s current challenges in scaling. The WISE Accelerator Committee, composed of leading experts in education and social entrepreneurship, will conduct the selection process. Applications will be assessed on the criteria of solution and innovation, strategy and management as well as development beyond proof of concept and potential for growth. The year-long programme aims to assess and suit project needs as precisely as possible to take them to the next stage in their successful development. The programme offers a kick-off week of activities, needs assessment, tailor-made mentorship, the opportunity to participate in international events, ongoing communication and international visibility, pitching with partners, investors and donors as well as progress assessment.

Education Above All Foundation held a session on “Education Violence and Conflict – from Daunting Challenge to Effective Response” on Thursday. A session at the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) 2015 on Thursday highlighted the need for a multi-stakeholder effort to protect education and the most vulnerable citizens of the world from various attacks and conflicts using new and innovative actions. “The way conflicts are being waged has no sense of humanity, no limits, and no boundaries,” said Graça Machel, founder of the Graça Machel Trust and a panelist of Education Above All Foundation’s “Education Violence and Conflict – from Daunting Challenge to Effective Response” plenary session. She was joined by Thomas Gass, UN assistant secretary-general, Policy Coordinator and Inter-Agency Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs at UN; Dr Kevin Watkins, executive director of the Overseas Development Institute; Jean-Paul Laborde, assistant secretary-general, executive director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, UN; and Elizabeth Decrey Warner, executive president, Geneva Call. Machel stressed the need to build a movement which at every level shows very strong outrage at attacks of all kinds on education. The discussion explored issues taking place in countries around the world where educational institutions, educators and students are targets of conflicts, and violence. Education Above All CEO Marcio Barbosa said education is not under attack in a small set of countries in the Middle East and Africa contrary to popular belief. He noted that from 2009 to 2012, more than 30 countries around the world experienced attacks on education. “Wherever conflict, violence and insecurity undermines access to, or delivery of, education, populations become vulnerable. We need two things – accountability for those who carry out attacks on education and target students and educators, and to put an end to impunity.” “We will continue devoting efforts to this timely and important matter, working towards answers that advance the cause of quality education for everyone, everywhere with no one left behind,” he added. The discussion, moderated by news presenter and journalist Mishal Husain, centered on the fact that laws and resolutions to protect education are in place, but compliance is lacking. The recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals provides the objective - education for all, with a framework for action under development. Panelists noted that without addressing the root causes of education insecurity, such as attacks, society will not be successful in its pursuit of the interlinked development goals. The panel also agreed to work for a concerted global movement among governments, multilateral institutions, NGOs and civil society to hold accountable those who attack education and to enforce existing laws that serve to protect educational institutions, educators and students.

World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) has selected 25 outstanding learners from 19 countries as the 2019-2020 cohort of the WISE Learners’ Voice programme. Selected from a diverse pool of applicants, who demonstrated their commitment to the field of education, the cohort will convene for an in-person residential session in Doha from November 17 to 19 to participate in an action-based leadership and educational development module. In addition to completing the residential training, fellows will participate in the WISE Summit 2019 to share their views and creative energies in addressing pressing global education issues and challenges. Selected fellow Moiz Lakhani, a current student at McMaster University in Canada, said: “I’m ecstatic to be part of the WISE Learners’ Voice programme as it will provide me with a platform to engage with policy makers and educators in the field of education. “I will also have the opportunity to voice my ideas and perspectives on the field of education at an international level. I hope to work closely with the WISE community to rethink and design the future of education, and to one day take on a leading role in this field.” Participants will engage in a series of collaborative and interactive modules on topics ranging from communication skills to social innovation, delivered by WISE and partner organisations Jasmin Higo, another selected fellow, who has been involved in educational and mentorship projects in Germany, Malaysia, the United States, and Ethiopia, said: “By offering the WISE Learners' Voice programme, young leaders from all over the world are able to find solutions to the toughest educational challenges facing communities around the world.” The Learners’ Voice programme aims to bring the perspectives of young people to the challenge of rethinking education and equips them to take on leading roles in their fields and in the world of education.

Ten Qatari projects have been nominated to the voting phase of the World Summit on the Information Society Prizes 2021 (WSIS2021) sponsored by the ITU. According to an official statement by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC), the voting phase is the pre-final phase ahead of selecting the winning projects in all the categories. MoTC has urged the public and all stakeholders to vote online for the projects via this link before the deadline for voting; March 31, 2021. Voters should vote in all categories and for only one project under each category. The projects are (1) Theqa - e-Commerce Trustmark from the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Category “ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life C7. E-business” (2) Minors Relations Management System from the General Authority for Minors Affairs in Category “C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society” (3) Government Media Analytics Service from the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Category “C9. Media” (4)“Nar'aakom” Mobile Application from the Primary Health Care Corporation in Category “C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life; E-Health” (5) the National Employment Platform "Kawader" from the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs in Category “C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life; E-Employment” (6) Foreign Trade Portal from the Planning and Statistics Authority in Category “C11. International and regional cooperation” (7) Tarsheed Summer Camp Website from the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation “Kahramaa” in Category “C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life; E-Environment” (8) National Cybersecurity Drill (Star) from the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Category “C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs” (9) e-Court from the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre in Category “C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life; E-Government” (10) Kahramaa Mobile Phone Application - Employee Section from the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) in Category “C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life; E-Employment”. The five most voted projects will be selected in each category of the 18 categories of the prizes, then move to Phase 4 for final evaluation from a jury of experts from the ITU, who will select one winning project in each category. The WSIS Prizes is the unique global platform to identify and showcase success stories in the implementation of the WSIS 18 Action Lines and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The WSIS Prizes contest was developed in response to requests from the WSIS stakeholders to create an effective mechanism to evaluate projects and activities that leverage the power of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to advance sustainable development. There will be 18 prizes for each Action Line of the SDGs. The 18 winning projects will be announced and recognised at the WSIS Prize 2021 Ceremony at WSIS Forum 2021 which is to be held from May 17 to 21. The WSIS Prizes contest is open for all WSIS stakeholders: governments, businesses, civil society, international organisations, academic institutions and others. It features 18 categories that directly match the WSIS Action Lines.

By Joseph Varghese/Staff ReporterThe 14 education projects shortlisted for the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) Awards 2013 showcase some of the most innovative practices in education from across the globe. The awards will be announced next month.The projects also represent all the continents. From New Zealand to Canada and Chile to China, they are a true representation of the educational practices all over the world. The projects also reflect the limitations of education in the most remote areas of the world as well as the efforts to overcome them.The shortlisted projects are Elige Educar (Chile), Immersed in Creativity (Taiwan), Radiophone (India), Student Bank Project (Thailand),  Charity School for the Children of Migrant Workers (China), SAT or Sistema de Aprendizaje Tutorial (Nicaragua), PEAS or Promoting Equality in African Schools (Uganda and Zambia), Pathways to Education (Canada), Te Kotahitanga (New Zealand), Studio Schools (UK), Medersat.com (Morocco), Alison  (Ireland), The Mobile Solar Computer Classroom (Uganda) and iThra Youth Initiative (Saudi Arabia).The projects focus on diverse areas of education. Te Kotahitanga addresses the national challenge of the continuing social, economic and political disparities between the descendents of the Anglo-European people and the indigenous Maoris in New Zealand. SAT is a non-formal education programme allowing marginalised rural students to complete secondary education through local economic development. Charity School is the first effort in China to provide education for migrant children by establishing low-cost educational opportunities.Mobile Solar Computer Classroom provides ICT and computer training in schools and communities that lack the resources to acquire such services. Similarly, iThra is an innovative and hands-on education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to young people. Immersed in Creativity trains Taiwanese students to become creative global citizens through exposure to art and culture.Elige Educar aims to dignify the profession of schoolteachers in the public eye, and attract talented students to enter the field. PEAS is an effort in unlocking the potential of youth by delivering equal access to affordable, quality secondary education. Student Bank Project aims to economic empowerment of marginalised youth in hard-to-reach areas in Thailand through training classes and an online banking system. Alison provides high-quality free education and workplace skills training online to anyone via interactive, self-paced multimedia. The Studio School is a new concept that seeks to address the growing gap between the skills and knowledge required to succeed. Radiophone uses technology to provide literacy and numeracy skills to marginalised children while Medersat.com promotes quality pre-school and elementary education in poor rural areas.A jury headed by Dr Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani, chairman of WISE and the president of Hamad Bin Khalifa University will evaluate the projects and decide on the six winners of the WISE Awards 2013. The winners will presented the awards and $20,000 each on the second day of the WISE summit to be held in Doha from October 29-31.

The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), an initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF), has opened submissions for its latest Accelerator programme. The submission period for 2019-20 WISE Accelerator will close at 4pm GMT on April 30. Applications can be submitted at www.wise-qatar.org/wise-accelerator. The WISE Accelerator supports innovative education technology initiatives that show high potential for scalability and positive impact. Each year, members of selected initiatives are chosen to join the one-year programme, which offers tailor-made support to address challenges that hinder their growth and the scaling-up process. In addition, the WISE Accelerator connects participants to an international network of education stakeholders, creating opportunities to share knowledge and gain the support of potential partners, donors, and investors during international events organised by WISE. Participants will also be paired with mentors who are experts in education and education technology and are leaders in their field. Lebanon-based initiative ‘Tabshoura in a Box’, which was part of the 2017-18 programme, aims to support children from underprivileged communities by providing access to quality educational content in digital format. Nayla Fahed, its founder and CEO, said, “The WISE Accelerator is not only about accelerating your business; it is mostly about accelerating your mind. You will never think in the same way after a few sessions with your mentor." ‘CamBioScience’, another edtech member of last year’s cohort, uses artificial intelligence to provide personalised learning in the medical field. Co-founder and CEO Chibeza Agley said, "The WISE Accelerator has had a profound effect on the development and scale-up of ‘CamBioScience. As a result of the accelerator, we successfully raised our seed funding round, identified and appointed a key business advisor, explored crucial international markets, and received advice on how to refine our international scale-up strategy.” A committee comprised of leading experts in education and social entrepreneurship will support the WISE Accelerator team during the selection process, and selected initiatives will be announced in September 2019. The programme will commence at the WISE 2019 Summit to be held in Qatar in November 2019.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met today with CEO of Save the Children, Inger Ashing, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, currently taking place in Doha. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to further strengthen and expand partnerships between Qatar and Save the Children. They also addressed a range of issues of mutual concern.

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Tuesday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development currently held in Doha.During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to support and enhance it.