Khaled bin Mohamed Attends Education First Forum

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, graced the second edition of the Education First Forum, organized by the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The forum, held under the theme ‘From Ask to Action,’ witnessed the unveiling of ECAE’s new strategy, titled ‘A Future-Ready College of Education.’

The event featured interactive educational sessions and showcased the outcomes of a collaborative research study with Cambridge University on future education indicators. A comprehensive report on the inaugural edition of the Education First Forum, developed in partnership with the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Singapore, was also presented, encapsulating insights and proposed initiatives from 183 educators.

H.H. Sheikh Khaled emphasized the UAE leadership’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based education ecosystem grounded in innovation and creativity. He highlighted the pivotal role of educators as key partners in the education journey and affirmed that the education system serves as both a shield against current challenges and a gateway to future progress and prosperity.

The Education First Forum provided a comprehensive experience, offering insights into ECAE’s latest programs and unveiling the new strategy. The strategy includes the Educators Competency Framework, designed to guide educators throughout their careers. It also showcased opportunities for professional growth, such as postgraduate programs, short-term learning modules, and training courses tailored to enhance skills and support career aspirations.

During the forum, ECAE revealed its new strategy, positioning it as a guiding blueprint for the college’s future endeavors. The strategy focuses on innovative academic programs and a fresh educator competency framework to enhance professional growth and shape the future landscape of education in the UAE.

The unveiling of the new logo symbolizes the institution’s dedication to upholding the educational ethos of the UAE. It acts as a bridge between the past and present, embracing diverse perspectives and harnessing the transformative power of knowledge through education.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, and Chair of the Board of Trustees of ECAE, highlighted that the new strategy aligns with the vision of the UAE leadership. It concentrates on factors such as education excellence, lifelong learning, research and innovation, and global and local impact. The strategy aims to ensure the efficacy of the college’s initiatives, putting upcoming educators at the forefront of developmental and modernization initiatives.

Dr. May Al-Taee, Vice Chancellor of ECAE, explained that the new strategy resulted from collaborative efforts involving educators, school principals, experts, and local and international partners. The balanced approach, with 60% practical and 40% theoretical components, aims to hone the skills of emerging education professionals for roles within the field.

Dr. May Al-Taee added that the new strategy marks the culmination of collaborative efforts and shared vision for the education sector. Aligned with the college’s mission and objectives, it aims to elevate the teaching profession, expand the education workforce, and empower UAE National talent to spearhead the future of the education sector, in line with the aspirations of the UAE leadership.