At the International Exhibition and Forum for Education 2013 (IEFE 2013) in Riyadh
Abu-Ghazaleh Tackles Transformative Education and Rejuvenation in the Arab World
We must acknowledge our shortcomings to once again become thought leaders-HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
RIYADH------February 24, 2013-------The International Exhibition and Forum for Education 2013 (IEFE 2013), the official annual event of the Saudi Ministry of Education concluded at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center with the participation of senior level decision makers, key industry education providers and stakeholders from around the world.
HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of the Arab Organization for quality assurance in Education and President of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University (TAGIUNI), the gateway to world-class education tackled Transformative Education and Rejuvenation in the Arab World during his keynote speech saying:" I am speaking to you today not only as a dreamer for the future of the Arab world, but also as a realist. And the reality is we must acknowledge our shortcomings to once again become thought leaders."
"In a critical 2009 study, UNESCO reported that higher education in the Arab world continually fails to meet the needs of students, employers, and society at large. Institutions in our region are overcrowded, understaffed, and produce graduates with qualifications that are not in sync with the labor market," he added.
According to Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh education must be an ongoing life experience.
"One is generally not afforded the luxury to simply stop learning, and stagnation of skills is no longer acceptable in the workplace. Technology is advancing so rapidly that even the most skilled professionals must be trained in emerging software, hardware, methodologies, and approaches," he said.
He added:" Edu