23 Countries Discuss Education in Riyadh Post-Pandemic Era

The Saudi Minister of Education accompanied by a number of participants at the International Education Conference 2022 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Minister of Education accompanied by a number of participants at the International Education Conference 2022 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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23 Countries Discuss Education in Riyadh Post-Pandemic Era

The Saudi Minister of Education accompanied by a number of participants at the International Education Conference 2022 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Minister of Education accompanied by a number of participants at the International Education Conference 2022 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Riyadh is hosting representatives of 23 countries from around the world and more than 262 international and local universities to discuss the education sector after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The International Education Conference 2022, which kicked off on Sunday, tackles the global education policies and examines the most effective experiences and means to overcome challenges and improve outputs in line with international standards and indicators.

In a speech at the opening ceremony, Saudi Minister of Education, Dr. Hamad Al-Sheikh, said that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of operating systems that serve the education sector.

He underlined the need for creative planning to overcome challenges facing the education sector around the world, which include economic conditions and global transformations.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Egypt’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tarek Shawky, stressed the importance of the conference in seeking to find the means to address the educational gap among students, and discussing partnership opportunities within the framework of digital transformation.

“It is an opportunity to discuss common issues with representatives from the World Bank, UNESCO and international and regional organizations, who met in Riyadh, to engage in a joint thinking process, following two years of isolation due to the pandemic,” the minister added.

The four-day conference is held in parallel with an exhibition that showcases the experiences of 145 universities and international educational institutions, as well as nearly 130 workshops targeting large segments of workers in the education sector.

Topics that will be discussed during the conference include digital education, artificial intelligence, technical alternatives, and educational skills that support sustainable and inclusive development.



Oman: Sovereignty, Freedom of Navigation Cannot Be Achieved Through Hostile Policies

Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
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Oman: Sovereignty, Freedom of Navigation Cannot Be Achieved Through Hostile Policies

Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)

Oman has inaugurated the 8th Indian Ocean Conference under the theme “A Voyage Towards New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.” The event gathered ministers, officials, experts, and specialists in maritime, economic, and diplomatic affairs from around the world, with representatives from 60 countries and international organizations.

In his opening speech, Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said that partnerships among Indian Ocean nations go beyond maritime issues to include energy, technology, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to promoting dialogue, respecting multilateralism, and focusing on common ground rather than divisions.

He stressed that cooperation is the only way to ensure security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean, asserting that maritime sovereignty and freedom of navigation cannot be achieved through hostile policies or military force but through constructive engagement and collaboration. He also highlighted the need for nations of the Global South to speak with a unified voice to enhance maritime security and address shared challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crime.

The conference, organized by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the India Foundation and supported by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, aims to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean nations while strengthening regional cooperation in maritime, economic, and security affairs.

Al Busaidi said: “The Indian Ocean is not just a body of water; it is an economic lifeline, a platform for exchange, and a bridge for communication and friendship. We share a collective responsibility to address issues such as protecting the marine environment, ensuring freedom of navigation, and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities against climate change. This conference presents an opportunity to explore the ocean’s untapped potential.”

He further explained that Oman’s economic vision is centered on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, particularly in blue economy sectors, port infrastructure, and logistics services. He expressed hope that the conference would contribute to developing sustainable strategies that benefit all.

Al Busaidi reaffirmed Oman’s belief that all nations are partners in achieving shared security and prosperity, stressing the Sultanate’s commitment to fostering an inclusive partnership in the Indian Ocean that ensures fair opportunities for all, both in the North and the South.

Over two days, the conference will explore the opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean nations, with a focus on maritime trade, renewable energy, maritime security, and technological innovation.