The Sultanate of Oman recently hosted the ICESCO Education Conference with the theme “Beyond the Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Applications”. The conference was under the patronage of Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, and saw the participation of 31 experts in the fields of education and artificial intelligence. During the event, Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of supporting the Palestinian cause and called on the international community to find a just solution based on international legitimacy and United Nations resolutions.
She also highlighted the dedication of 2024 as the Year of Youth by ICESCO, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in society’s progress and development. The Minister of Education praised the organization’s efforts in encouraging countries to invest in youth and creating platforms for them to express their opinions and increase their participation in decision-making. She also mentioned the cooperation between Oman and ICESCO in establishing the ICESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence Ethics at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences.
Dr. Salim Mohammed Al Malik, Director-General of ICESCO, stressed the importance of the conference in addressing the challenges faced by the education system in Islamic countries and the need for structural changes in education curricula to prepare future generations. He also emphasized on benefiting positively from the communication revolution and avoiding overuse of technology, which could impact the traditional vitality of students and their relationship with teachers. Al Malik announced the organization’s plan to allocate an annual award for the best educational achievements among member states.
Former President of Senegal, Macky Sall, highlighted the significant role of Muslim scholars in spreading knowledge and science worldwide. He emphasized the importance of following in their footsteps and leveraging artificial intelligence for progress and peace among different nations. Sall encouraged the attendees to explore the benefits of artificial intelligence and its potential in advancing education and promoting peace globally. The ICESCO Education Conference aimed to address challenges in the education sector, promote youth participation, and encourage the responsible use of technology for educational advancement.
