Doha: May 26, 2025: The Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science (QNCECS) organized on Monday a forum for coordinators of UNESCO and ALECSO Associated Schools activities with the participation of the Learning City Municipalities Network. The forum aimed to introduce the networks of UNESCO and ALECSO Associated Schools and the latest updates in the work of the networks. It also aimed to raise awareness of the importance of Associated Schools programs and activities and enhance cooperation between the Qatar Associated Schools Network and the Learning City Municipalities Network. It also promoted awareness of the importance of sustainable education and its role in achieving sustainable development goals. Finally, the forum aimed to honor distinguished schools and students' initiatives and achievements. Head of the UNESCO Section at QNCECS Aisha bint Mubarak Al-Thani said: "This forum comes as part of QNCECS ongoing efforts to promote sustainable education and exchange of experiences between our educational institutions. Through this cooperation, we can benefit from educational experiences and practices that contribute to academic and educational excellence. It also enhances our students' capabilities and provides a stimulating learning environment that supports creativity and innovation. Raising awareness of sustainable education is one of the main themes of this forum. It aimes to give our students the knowledge and skills to face future challenges. It also aimes to enhance their abilities to think critically, solve problems, and learn lifelong. It encourages them to make responsible decisions that contribute to building a sustainable society." Program Specialist of the Education Section at the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha Farida Abu Dan said: "UNESCO's network brings together 12,000 schools worldwide to support peace, dialogue, cultural understanding, sustainable development, and quality education. These Associated Schools strive to achieve the seventh goal of the fourth Sustainable Developm ent Goal. It also engages in knowledge sharing and partnerships between countries and schools. It builds capacities for innovative teaching and active learning, especially through a holistic and inclusive approach to the school. In addition to empowering schools worldwide to drive innovation and transformation and act as active laboratories for global citizenship, intercultural understanding, and sustainability." Farida Abu Dan reviewed some outstanding initiatives and achievements by UNESCO-associated schools, such as the "Future of Education" initiative, which promotes innovation in teacher education, especially about citizenship and global projects, and school initiatives on climate change education. The forum included an introductory presentation on the UNESCO and ALECSO Associated Schools Network by the country's national coordinators of schools. Eng. Suha Mahmoud, Head of the Sustainability Unit at Al Wakra Municipality, gave a presentation on strengthening partnerships between the associated schools a nd Learning Cities networks. 15 UNESCO and ALECSO Associated Schools also participated in a specialized session to present their successful initiatives and experiences. These initiatives cover the environment, citizenship, cultural diversity, arts, technology, and sustainable education. At the end of the forum, the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science honored the participating schools. The honoring also included the winning students in the student research competition organized by the QNCECS. This forum is part of the QNCECS program plan. It highlights the best teaching and learning innovations. It enhances the interaction between UNESCO Associated Schools and ALECSO, allowing them to exchange experiences and successful practices. Source: Qatar News Agency
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