QU workshop on education focuses on 2030 agenda

Qatar University's (QU) Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (Sesri) hosted a workshop titled 'Education in Qatar 2022: Towards the 2030 Agenda,' a statement said.The event brought together decision-makers, researchers, academics, and other stakeholders to present the key findings from the Qatar Education Study 2022 and discuss innovative solutions for improving education in line with Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030.The aim was to address the challenges facing Qatar's education sector while also exploring strategies and policies to ensure high-quality education that meets the nation's aspirations.During the event, participants evaluated the current state of education in Qatar, exchanged expertise on best practices, and explored new approaches to enhance educational outcomes. There were discussions on topics such as education quality, technology integration, and educational infrastructure development.The workshop also addressed policy education to develop realistic strategic visions aligned with QNV 2030, while fostering collaboration and partnerships between educational institutions, government bodies, the private sector, and international organizations.Dr Saeed al-Meer, director of Research Support (Grants and Contracts) and QU Young Scientists Centre, emphasised the transformative power of education by stating that education goes beyond the boundaries of literacy as it aims to build individuals and foster innovation."Education also serves as a cornerstone for culture, peace, and prosperity worldwide. The Sustainable Development Goals and Qatar National Vision 2030 lead the way. This workshop aims to evaluate the prospects of school education in Qatar, exchange knowledge and experiences, discuss issues and challenges, and enhance awareness, cooperation, and partnerships. It also seeks to provide recommendations that align with the era of digitalisation and artificial intelligence, contributing to the advancement of the national vision for 2030 and ensuring a secure future for all generations.”Sesri director Prof Kaltham al-Ghanim, observed that the workshop reaffirms the institute's commitment to transforming the education landscape in the country, in line with the goals of the 2030 agenda."In recent years, education in Qatar has undergone significant changes, and as we approach 2030, efforts in this field must reflect global standards of excellence in education while meeting the unique needs of students, teachers, and the community as a whole.”Prof al-Ghanim pointed out that Sesri at QU has been conducting a study on education in Qatar since 2012. This longitudinal quantitative study surveys the school education sector based on global research axes. The aim is to provide decision-makers and policymakers with data and standards that can improve the quality of education.She explained that the study focused on several key axes: the curriculum and learning and teaching materials, assessing how comprehensive and responsive the content is to the needs of the 21st century, with an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.The second axis focuses on school facilities, assessing how well schools support both academic and personal growth. The third axis measured community satisfaction, surveying the views of students, teachers, and administrators at various levels. The fourth axis examined blended and digital education, examining the swift transition to digital learning amid the Covid-19 pandemic and investigating the effective integration of technology into the educational system.The fifth axis measured the satisfaction of the school community, particularly teachers, as satisfied and motivated teachers are the cornerstone of any successful educational system, Prof al-Ghanim added.Farida Aboudan, representative of the Unesco Regional Office in the Gulf States and Yemen, highlighted that the workshop aligns with the third National Development Strategy, which aims to improve the quality of education and expand access to it as a driving force for progress.She explained that Unesco works alongside its partners in the country, the Arab region, and globally to advance the education agenda. She emphasised that the education system has already achieved most of the indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals, with the current focus on ensuring that everyone has access to quality education that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to societal development.Sesri has been one of Qatar's most important scientific and social survey research initiatives since QU established it in October 2008. The institute remains at the forefront of educational research in Qatar, contributing to national development by providing high-quality survey data and policy recommendations. Studies such as the Qatar Education Study 2022 help Sesri shape policies that promote innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education.