Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Participants in the second TRENDS International Education Conference stressed the need for innovative educational policies to preserve identity and support positive youth behaviour.
Entitled "Education and Identity in the Digital Age... Proposed Strategies for Preserving Identity and Shaping Youth Behaviours," the conference addressed several topics. These include the need to enhance interaction and exchange between researchers, educational institutions, and decision-makers to develop effective educational strategies.
Speakers at the event explained that education is the fortress that guards national identity, which necessitates strengthening its role in supporting society's values and traditions and enhancing the sense of national belonging.
Contributors underlined the importance of strengthening the system of values and ethics in the various stages of education, especially early education and working hard to preserve the inclusive national identity of individuals and communities.
The conference's final recommendations were delivered by the Head of Trends Dubai Office, Fahad Al Mahri, and focused on strengthening countries' efforts to develop modern and innovative educational systems that prepare students and educational institutions to contribute to the growing knowledge economy.
The recommendations also pointed out the need to adapt to the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and promote interest in the Arabic language and the system of national values as a basis for preserving national identity.
TRENDS Research and Advisory launched its innovative artificial intelligence (AI) project with the launch of "TRENDS AR", which allows browsing the centre's publications, research, studies, and various knowledge products using Apple's Vision Pro glasses for augmented reality.
The advanced technology enables readers to access the virtual world, read books and publications, visit the website and Trends' social media platforms, and learn about its research, knowledge, training, and advisory services easily.
Minister of Education in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, said that digital transformation in education refers to using modern technologies and digital tools to improve the learning process and provide an advanced and innovative educational environment.
He said that the role of parents is pivotal in developing the educational process and achieving acceptable levels of behaviour and learning.
Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Prof. Ahmed Zayed, pointed out that one of the most prominent issues facing national identity is the large flow of cultural, intellectual, and media variables from abroad.
Threfore, it is necessary to enhance the national culture through which strong community cohesion can be achieved that could overcome these emerging challenges, he explained.
During his opening speech, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, said that the debate on identity and how to preserve it is constant in various societies.
However, it is gaining exceptional momentum in the GCC countries in light of the rapid development in information technology and artificial intelligence and their applications in various fields of life, he said, adding that GCC societies are characterised by multiculturalism that produces many opportunities and challenges alike.
Executive Director of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, Iman Faisal Janahi, delivered the welcoming speech at the conference. She stated that over the years, the Arab identity has been subjected to many threats through attempts to plant negative cultures that are alien to it.
Everyone must work hard to stop this adverse effect and promote authentic Arab values in young people and children. This would mean everyone can enjoy a prosperous future and create generations capable of protecting the homeland's achievements, she noted.
The conference began with the first session, "Education and Identity in a Changing World... Challenges and Risks." The discussion was moderated by the media and strategic advisor in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Lolwa Boudlamma.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi, spoke about "Educational mechanisms and tools to promote national identity."
Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, Dr. Sheikha May bint Sulaiman Al-Otaibi, went over the experience of Al-Bayan School in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is a model in supporting national identity through the development of Bahraini teacher tools.
Head of the Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences at Ajman University, Dr. Soumaya Abdellatif, said that education is emerging as a major driver for empowering young people with the values of citizenship, leadership and the ability to adapt to rapid changes. The opportunities offered by the digital age should be seized while thinking about innovative ways to promote cultural roots.
Chair of the Research Outreach Department at the University of Sharjah, Dr. Noura Al-Karbi, spoke about "The Applied Scientific Research Strategy in Shaping the Future of Education: National Priorities and Government Response."
Chairman of the UAE Government's Cybersecurity Council, Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, stressed that the UAE leadership was keen to emphasise the protection of the technological system in light of the great digital transformations in the country. He added, "We are working in the Council to strengthen this system to protect the country from various cyber threats."
The second session touched on the issue of "Education and Identity in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Revolution." The discussion was moderated by Awad Al-Braiki, Head of TRENDS Global Sector at TRENDS.
Executive Expert in Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology, Dr. Ebtisam Al Mazrouei, reviewed ways to benefit from artificial intelligence technologies in supporting national identity. She pointed out that national identity is largely linked to digital identity, and here comes the role of artificial models such as CHATGPT and others. This technology represents the basis for humans interacting with machines, but it is necessary to build national capabilities in artificial intelligence by enhancing education and training processes in this vital sector.
Media professional trainer in Bahrain, Dr. Yousef Mohamed Ismail, stressed that the world is witnessing radical transformations with the digital revolution, and it is not possible to talk about keeping abreast with these transformations without changing traditional education curricula and methods and teaching students how to deal with these developments.
Researcher and director of the Global Barometer Department at TRENDS, Sultan Al-Ali, stressed that the educational process faces many opportunities and challenges. Technology provides opportunities to enhance national identity through e-learning platforms that allow the integration of cultural and historical content into the curriculum, which enhances the appreciation of national identity in the hearts of young people.
