Doha: The National Center for Educational Development at Qatar University (QU)’s College of Education, in collaboration with the Arab Center for Educational Training for the Gulf States, organized a seminar titled “Sustainability of Educational Training and Development in the Gulf States.” The event brought together a group of academics, experts, and educational practitioners to explore the advancement of sustainable professional educational training and discuss the key challenges faced in this sector.
According to Qatar News Agency, the seminar highlighted the importance of sustainable educational training in enhancing education quality, identifying challenges hindering sustainability, and proposing practical solutions. Discussions included innovative strategies to ensure continuity of professional training and reviewed successful experiences from Gulf countries. The focus was on improving educational outcomes and supporting sustainable development goals.
The seminar addressed key themes such as the foundations of sustainable educational training, its role in improving education quality, and the requirements for implementation in Gulf contexts. Current challenges and future solutions, including funding and digital transformation, were also discussed. Additionally, the seminar showcased successful models and educational initiatives from various Gulf countries.
Prof. Asma Al Attiyah, Dean of the College of Education at QU, emphasized the importance of sustainable training in supporting education quality. She noted the seminar was the first following the signing of a cooperation agreement between the National Center for Educational Development and the Arab Center for Educational Training for the Gulf States. Prof. Al Attiyah highlighted the commitment to providing platforms for dialogue and expertise exchange among specialists, aiming to advance the educational training system.
Dr. Fatma Al Maadheed, Director of the Arab Center for Educational Training for the Gulf States, stressed the seminar’s importance in light of rapid educational changes. She affirmed the need for flexible responses to digital transformation, enhancing educational personnel capabilities in the Gulf. Dr. Al Maadheed described the partnership with the College of Education as a strategic step toward regional integration.
Dr. Huda Al Kubaisi, Director of the National Center for Educational Development at QU, explained the center’s focus on developing training programs based on sustainability principles. She mentioned the seminar as part of ongoing efforts to develop an integrated system for sustainable professional development, aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030.
One seminar participant remarked on the initiative’s importance, noting that sustainable training impacts teacher performance and educational quality. They emphasized the need for empowering teachers with skills to meet current educational demands.
The seminar included two main sessions. The first session, “The Status of Sustainability in Educational Training and Development in the Gulf States,” featured a panel of Gulf experts. The second session showcased leading Gulf experiences in sustainable educational training. Presentations included the “Impact Journey” platform by Ahmed Shawqi, “Etqan” Program by Dr. Haya Al Modady, and the “Tashbeek without borders” platform by Prof. Norma Ghamrawi.
Participants noted the direct impact of sustainable training on teachers’ performance and education quality. They stressed the importance of empowering teachers to meet today’s student needs.
This seminar is part of QU’s efforts to support and develop the educational system in Qatar and the region, building strategic partnerships and organizing high-impact events to promote professional development of educational staff.