On 24th January, the United Arab Emirates marked the International Day of Education, reaffirming its steadfast dedication to harnessing education as a transformative force.
The UAE has long been a global leader in promoting quality education, especially in regions experiencing humanitarian challenges.
A key initiative launched this year is a project by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives' Digital School to support education continuity in Lebanon. In its first phase, the project aims to assist 40,000 students, offering digital learning solutions and resources for education centres in displacement camps. Since its inception in 2020, the Digital School has expanded to 13 countries, benefiting over 160,000 students and training more than 2,500 digital teachers. The platform provides content in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish.
A significant milestone in the UAE's educational efforts was the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration at the 19th Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher Education. The Declaration sets a strategic direction for advancing higher education and research in the Arab world, focusing on equipping graduates with skills to meet job market demands.
The UAE’s commitment to education extends beyond its borders. Since 2018, the nation has contributed US$200 million to the Global Partnership for Education, supporting educational programs in developing countries. The UAE has also been a key supporter of international organizations like UNRWA, helping provide education to Palestinian and Syrian refugees.
With education as a cornerstone of its foreign aid and national vision, the UAE continues to invest in its own educational reforms, including the recent restructuring of the education ministry and new funding models for higher education.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
