Kuwait City:The 46th Educational Conference, themed "Innovative Visions for a Sustainable Educational Future in Kuwait," underscores the Gulf Cooperation Council's commitment to advancing education, according to GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. The event was held under the patronage of the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, and attended by Kuwait's Minister of Education, Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, along with numerous specialists, academics, and educators.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mishal for his support of the conference, which aligns with the GCC's goal of fostering cooperation and prosperity. He emphasized the importance of education as a pillar of human capital development and a driver of sustainable development goals, noting the significant investment in education across the GCC states.
Albudaiwi highlighted various indicators of educational progress in the region, mentioning that over 11 million students are enrolled in general education across the GCC, supported by more than 45,000 educational institutions and over 960,000 teachers. He also pointed out that the concept of "Gulf citizenship" is exemplified by the 41,000 GCC students studying in other member states during the 2025-2026 academic year.
The conference also touched on future-oriented educational strategies, with the approval of a Strategic Plan for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education, and preparations for a Strategic Plan for Joint Action in Education for 2027-2032. These initiatives are intended to enhance cooperation and integration among GCC educational systems, aligning with future labor market needs.
Albudaiwi concluded by stressing the necessity of adapting education to modern developments such as AI and digital transformation, urging educational stakeholders to innovate in curriculum development to prepare students for these challenges. He expressed hope that the conference would yield actionable recommendations to further education development in the GCC region.