Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 4th Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education at the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) in the University City.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event saw the signing of two significant cooperation agreements. The first was between the Sharjah Education Academy and Invest Bank, and the second between the Sharjah Private Education Authority and Air Arabia. These partnerships aim to boost collaboration in advancing the educational landscape in the emirate.
The summit also witnessed the launch of the Sharjah Private Education Authority's Strategy 2025-2028. This strategy is focused on enhancing educational quality, promoting innovation, and reinforcing academic excellence within private educational institutions.
The two-day summit, titled "Promising Horizons," is jointly hosted by the Sharjah Education Academy and the Sharjah Private Education Authority. It aims to explore cutting-edge strategies through the analysis of best practices and methodologies that can enhance educational outcomes.
The event provides a crucial platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, bringing together teachers, policymakers, and leaders from the education sector. Participants are encouraged to share insights, foster partnerships, and work towards shaping the future of education in Sharjah.
The opening of the summit commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a speech from Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Education Academy and the Sharjah Private Education Authority. She expressed her gratitude to Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for his support in advancing education in the emirate.
Dr. Al Hashimi emphasized Sharjah's commitment to enhancing teacher development, inspired by the Finnish educational model. The emirate is focusing on improving the skills of educators by providing specialized training at the Sharjah Education Academy, underscoring the belief that outstanding teachers are pivotal to the success of educational systems.
The summit also highlights Sharjah's dedication to early childhood education, offering comprehensive support and nurturing environments for young learners. Government-run nurseries with state-of-the-art facilities and expert educators demonstrate this commitment.
Inspired by countries like Finland, Singapore, and Australia, Sharjah embraces a culture of continuous improvement in education. This approach is embedded at every stage, ensuring a dynamic and evolving learning environment.
In her speech, Finnish Ambassador Tuula Johanna Yrjola praised the attention given by Sharjah's Ruler to education and community development. She highlighted the productive partnership between Sharjah and the University of Helsinki and emphasized the importance of improving teacher quality and student well-being.
Dr. Elizabeth Stee from Harvard University discussed enhancing educational outcomes through thinking big, taking small steps, and fast learning. She highlighted the importance of ambitious vision and strategic actions for sustainable impact.
The summit also featured a visual presentation titled "Sharjah Through the Eyes of Its Children," showcasing the educational journey of Amna Al Shamsi, reflecting the emirate's educational support from early childhood to higher education.
In a significant agreement on the sidelines of the event, the Sharjah Education Academy and Invest Bank agreed to provide 187 educational scholarships for the Early Childhood Education Certification Program. This initiative highlights their shared commitment to educational advancement.
Another agreement between the Sharjah Private Education Authority and Air Arabia was signed as part of the "Stand for Teachers" initiative, offering exclusive benefits to educators, including travel discounts, to support their well-being and professional development.
The summit, in its fourth edition, aims to build future-ready educational systems by fostering dialogue, encouraging advanced technologies, promoting equality, and supporting sustainable practices in education. It features participation from experts and specialists from leading universities and research centers worldwide.
The summit also introduced 13 specialized workshops focusing on modern techniques, innovative technologies, and effective professional development practices to empower educators and enhance learning outcomes.