Bahrain hosts launch of ‘Document on Education Development in the Arab World’

Manama, June 1 (BNA): The Kingdom of Bahrain today hosted a conference to launch the “Document on Education Development in the Arab World”. The “Document”, which provides an integrated vision on overhauling the educational system in Arab countries in accordance with the requirements of the current phase and the challenges facing education in the Arab world, is in line with the belief that education is the mainstay of progress, and the cornerstone for raising highly-aware and enlightened Arab generations. Held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the conference, themed “Bahrain the gateway to the development of education in the Arab world”, was organised by the Arab Parliament, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, with the participation of the speakers of Arab legislative councils and parliaments, as well as representatives of the relevant organisations. The launch of the important Arab document from Bahrain reflects the Arab and global appreciation for the kingdom’s pioneering experience in the field of education development, as proved by its unprecedented educational achievements confirmed by the relevant international reports and indices. The document is the outcome of the great effort, meetings and extensive discussions of officials, experts and those interested in the field of education, as well as of the in-depth studies with the relevant regional and international organisations, which reflects the extent of Arab countries’ interest in education and the need to enhance joint Arab action in this vital field to ensure a better future for the Arab Nation. The document emphasised that education is one of the most important foundations of the Arab national security, and the main means to achieve sustainable development and an economy based on science, knowledge and the localisation of technology. This can be achieved through increasing investment in the human element, effective use of communication and information technology, keeping pace with the requirements of the digital age, and promoting interest in developing technical and vocational education, in addition to linking its outputs of education to the requirements of society and the local and international labour market, so as to contribute to the graduation of highly creative and competitive generations. The document provides a set of guiding principles in the field of education development, which the Arab Parliament, in coordination with Arab education ministers and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), will review and update the provisions contained therein within a maximum period of ten years. The “Document on Education Development in the Arab World” aims to contribute to the establishment of high-quality Arab educational systems that would instill the values of loyalty, belonging, good citizenship and dedication to work, as well as a sense of responsibility and devotion to the homeland, in a way that contributes to achieving progress. The document is based on a number of general objectives and principles of the educational process in the Arab world, most notably the preservation of religious values, cultural identity and Arab civilisation, in addition to conscious openness to global civilisational achievements and gains. It affirmed that education is a human right, and called for providing equal educational opportunities for all, ensuring compulsory and free education in public education, establishing the concepts of citizenship and tolerance, as well as promoting the scientific method, critical thinking and talent development, in addition to encouraging creativity and innovation. The document stressed the need to increase spending on education, and keep pace with the rapid global developments regarding the development of the educational system, especially in the areas of curricula, educational systems, teaching and learning methods, the development of educational facilities and the rehabilitation of human cadres, in addition to the localisation and integration of knowledge and the technological element in all components and stages of the educational process. The “Document on Education Development in the Arab World” called for addressing the issue of brain drain in the education and training sector from which the Arab world suffers, stressing the need to find appropriate solutions to the problem of the decline in the quality of education in the Arab world, and to develop the outputs of the educational process to meet the requirements of the labour market and sustainable development. This makes it a comprehensive document for the development of Education in the Arab world. It is expected to be turned into a set of initiatives and programmes that would advance educational systems in the Arab world and achieve its forecast goals.