United Arab Emirates University’s College of Education Organises Conference on “Quality Education for a Sustainable and Transformative Future”

Conference explores the future of inclusive and sustainable education and lifelong learning in the age of artificial intelligence

In the presence of H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, the Conference on “Quality Education for a Sustainable and Transformative Future” commenced today, Thursday, 29 October 2026. Organised by UAEU’s College of Education, the conference is being held at Al Ain Rotana Hotel in Al Ain, bringing together a distinguished group of experts and specialists in the education sector.

Dr. Mona Al Janahi, Acting Dean of the College of Education, noted that the College was among the first colleges established at the United Arab Emirates University in 1976. She highlighted its longstanding contribution to preparing teachers and educational professionals over the past decades, with a total of 15,330 graduates who have joined the education sector and contributed to its development.

She further explained that the College’s mission extends beyond teacher preparation to creating a lasting impact on student well-being, guiding students’ educational and career pathways, identifying their talents, and fostering positive behaviours. She emphasised that the College continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of education over the next 50 years through this conference, which brings together academic research, education policies, and field practices in collaboration with national and regional institutions.

The conference programme featured a keynote session titled “Reshaping Global Talent Development for Inclusivity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, delivered by Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences.

The programme also included a panel discussion titled “Transformative Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education Towards Lifelong Learning: What Does It Take to Get There?”, which explored the requirements for building integrated and sustainable learning pathways. The session was moderated by Dr. Latifa Al Ketbi, Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, and featured Mahra Al Mutawaei, Director of the Regional Centre for Educational Planning, and Dr. Suha Al Hassan, Early Childhood Human Capital Advisor at the Special Projects and Partnerships Sector of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.

Another panel discussion addressed “The Role of Policy and Evidence in Shaping Inclusive Education and Developing Language and Identity”, reflecting the conference’s focus on promoting inclusion, supporting language development, and reinforcing identity in educational environments. The session was moderated by Dr. Rhoda Myra Bacsal, Associate Professor in the Department of Special and Gifted Education at the College of Education, UAEU. Panellists included Noura Al Saadi, Director of Quality Assurance at the Foundation and Growth Sector of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority; Asmaa Al Jamali, Educational Consultant at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority; and Dr. Zhang Qilong, Associate Professor in the Department of Learning and Educational Leadership, UAEU’s College of Education.

The conference also featured approximately 60 research sessions covering key themes, including educational quality, reshaping education, inclusive and transformative education, and physical education. These sessions brought together a distinguished group of researchers and specialists from various disciplines. The research focused on the application of artificial intelligence in education, advancing teacher preparation, sustainable education, strengthening family engagement, and supporting learners with diverse needs. Other topics included educational leadership, health and physical fitness, curriculum development, and innovative classroom practices, fostering the exchange of expertise and translating research findings into practical educational applications.