Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has graciously hosted the ICESCO Education Conference, which commenced on Wednesday under the auspices of the slogan "Beyond the Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Applications."
This event was conducted under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, the Chairman of the State Council.
A distinguished assembly of 31 experts, specializing in the fields of education and artificial intelligence, participated in the conference.
In her address, Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education and Chairperson of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, highlighted the significance of the conference occurring amidst global upheavals and crises, which have profound implications for educational, cultural, and economic institutions. She specifically mentioned the aggression and systematic destruction of infrastructure, including educational, health, scientific, and heritage sites in the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon, as a notable challenge.
Furthermore, she underscored the Sultanate of Oman's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, urging the international community to fulfill its moral and humanitarian obligations in resolving this issue. She advocated for a just solution based on international legitimacy, United Nations resolutions, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and practical steps to ensure security and peace, respect human rights, and foster peaceful coexistence among peoples, in alignment with the principles of international humanitarian law.
Additionally, she commended the ICESCO organization for dedicating the year 2024 as the Year of Youth, amidst a global focus on the pivotal role of youth in societal progress and development, and in supporting the economy to meet future challenges. She praised the organization's efforts in encouraging countries to invest in youth, creating platforms for their voices to be heard, increasing their participation in decision-making, and offering flexible educational pathways that enable youth to seize opportunities and capabilities available to them.
The Minister of Education highlighted the significant role played by the youth within the Sultanate of Oman, constituting half of the nation's population, and the commendable support they have received from His Majesty the Sultan. The Sultan's directives have underscored the importance of engaging with the youth, understanding their needs, involving them in the formulation of policies and national decisions, and fostering their development in entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
She elaborated on the collaboration between the Sultanate of Oman and ICESCO, which led to the establishment of the ICESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence Ethics at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in January 2024, alongside the preparation of the organization's charter for artificial intelligence ethics. Furthermore, the Ministry participated in the Digital Learning Week held in Paris last September, culminating in the launch of frameworks for artificial intelligence competencies for students and teachers.
Dr. Salim Mohammed Al Malik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized the critical nature of the conference, focusing on educational challenges within the Islamic world, and the commitment to addressing the demands of the Transforming Education Summit. He also stressed the importance of adopting a constructive approach to the communication revolution, ensuring it does not diminish the traditional vitality of students or hinder the interactive relationship between them and their educators. Al Malik concluded his remarks by announcing the organization's decision to award an annual prize for the best educational achievements among member states.
Macky Sall, a former President of the Republic of Senegal, highlighted the significant contributions of Muslim scholars in disseminating knowledge and science across the globe. He encouraged the adoption of these principles, emphasizing the importance of benefiting from scientific advancements, including artificial intelligence, as a means to progress and promote peace among global populations.
