A symposium organized by TRENDS Research & Advisory, in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Center for Educational Planning (RCEP), emphasized teachers’ crucial role in shaping future generations, especially in the face of rapid global transformations and growing challenges.
Held on World Teachers’ Day at TRENDS’ Conference Hall under the theme “Empowering Teachers: Building Sustainable Societies,” the event brought together prominent educators and researchers worldwide. The symposium underscored the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to empower teachers and contribute to the development of sustainable societies.
Discussions highlighted that improving the education sector requires coordinated efforts, recommending investment in sustainable professional development programs for teachers, the creation of supportive work environments, and the integration of technology and innovation into education.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasized that teachers are not just conveyors of knowledge, but also builders of future generations and students’ personalities. He stressed the importance of empowering teachers and providing them with an environment conducive to keeping pace with technological and educational advancements. Dr. Al-Ali affirmed that teachers are the foundation of any successful education system and highlighted the need to enhance their capabilities through investment.
Dr. Al-Ali also pointed out that the symposium coincided with a significant event in the UAE—President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s announcement of Emirati Day for Education, to be celebrated annually on 28th February. This highlights the UAE’s strong commitment to education as a key driver of national development. The leadership’s belief in education’s essential role in building generations is also reflected in initiatives like the “Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher,” which exemplifies the dedication to empowering and celebrating educators.
In her keynote address, Mahra Hilal Al-Mutaiwie, Director of RCEP, reiterated that teachers are at the heart of any successful education system. She emphasized that teachers are agents of change, shaping the future and driving societal progress. RCEP remains committed to supporting teachers through advanced training programs and providing resources to help them meet modern challenges, intending to build sustainable societies capable of navigating global changes and achieving inclusive, equitable education for all.
Following the opening ceremony, two sessions of the symposium focused on the vital role teachers play in shaping societies and guiding future generations, particularly in the face of global challenges. The sessions featured speakers such as Maryam Majid Bin Thaniya, Second Deputy Speaker of the Federal National Council, Dr. May Al-Taee, Vice Chancellor of the Emirates College for Advanced Education, Carlos Vargas Tamez of UNESCO, Prof. Iman Gad from the British University in Dubai, and Saleimah Alsaadi, winner of the Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher.
The sessions presented innovative strategies for enhancing teacher competencies, enabling them to become mentors and sources of inspiration for their students, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all.
The second session focused on the key goal of empowering teachers to prepare them for future changes, in line with the vision of the UAE’s leadership. It also highlighted the efforts of the Emirates College for Advanced Education in advancing the teaching profession and equipping educators with the necessary skills for modern education.