WISE summit to tackle recent challenges

The theme for the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE ) 2017 conference, ‘Co-Exist, Co-Create: Learning to Live and Work Together’ will address important education challenges of the recent times, a senior official has said.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Dr Asmaa E Alfadala, director, Research and Content WISE said, “The WISE 2017 theme is intended to reflect the commitment of WISE to addressing important education challenges of our times. “We are facing disruption and economic uncertainty in a number of ways stemming from conflict, mass migration, growing inequality, and rapid technological change. Yet in education, challenges also present opportunities to break down old assumptions, and bring forth the new ideas that are paving the way for positive disruption.” “The theme is the starting point for several questions. How should we rethink and reorganise the way we deliver learning in an age of disruption and uncertainty? What should be the role of education in fostering social change? How do we harness the power of science and technology to improve outcomes not just in learning but in overall well-being? How can we best advocate for sustained investment in education in times of slowing economic growth?” she pointed out.The official said that the summit is an opportunity for Qatar to listen, explore and share experiences with a diverse range of thinkers and doers, policy-makers, and many other education stakeholders from around the globe.  “Then we need to bring our learnings and experiences to our practice as educators and leaders here in Qatar. As Qatar continues to grow its knowledge-based economy, there also is a growing interest and enthusiasm among Qatar-based educators and leaders for exploring new, innovative practices and approaches to school systems, building teacher skills, inspiring students to get involved in their learning process.” she said.The official noted that the planning for WISE 2017 is well underway, and more details will be made public in coming months. She explained: “In general, the sessions will focus on key challenges of refugees, technology, early childhood, language learning, entrepreneurship, and many other topics. Participants will be able to organise their own meet-ups and tailor their schedules to their interests.”“The WISE Majlis, of course, will be a central meeting place at WISE, where delegates can interact. It is a focal point for the WISE Research authors, and most important a venue where students and teachers from Qatar’s schools will experience the latest classroom teaching practices,” she added.The 2017 WISE global summit, a biennial event, will take place from November 14 to 16 in Doha. The summit gathers policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, corporate and government leaders from around the world to explore current trends and share their visions for co-designing the future of education.