Sheikha Moza deplores attacks on educational facilities in Gaza

Sheikha Moza

On Tuesday, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, presided over the inauguration of the 11th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

Under the theme "Creative Fluency: Human Flourishing in the Age of AI," the two-day summit gathered over 2,000 participants, including thought leaders, policymakers, technology innovators, and young pioneers. Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, along with several ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, and other stakeholders in the field of education, were also in attendance.

During her opening remarks, Sheikha Moza expressed concern over the targeting of more than 36 educational facilities in the Gaza Strip. She emphasized the critical role of preserving education in regions facing adversity, citing the destruction of 36 Education Above All (EAA) supported schools and universities during the current Israeli aggression.

Sheikha Moza underscored the importance of innovation in addressing challenges and highlighted the misuse of artificial intelligence, particularly in distorting media narratives during conflicts. She raised questions about the selection of historical archives by AI, urging the preservation of independence and educational values in the face of such challenges.

Addressing the audience, Sheikha Moza emphasized the role of WISE as a platform for new ideas and solutions, urging innovation to tackle intractable problems in education. She acknowledged the academic and moral responsibility of scientists and researchers in this regard.

At WISE 11, Sheikha Hind presented the WISE Prize for Education 2023 to Safeena Husain, founder of Educate Girls, recognizing her 15-year dedication to advancing girls' education in rural and underserved areas of India. This acknowledgment highlighted Husain's transformative work and her pioneering role in implementing the world's first Development Impact Bond in education.

The summit featured dynamic discussions across six thematic tracks, exploring the future of education, ethical dimensions of AI, and the collaborative spirit needed for positive change. Renowned speakers, including mathematician Conrad Wolfram, AI ethicist Nina Schick, and tech innovator Kian Katanforoosh, contributed insights to the rich tapestry of perspectives.

WISE 11, hosted by Qatar Foundation, emerged as a dynamic platform for collaboration, fostering meaningful conversations that transcended borders and disciplines. As the summit concluded, its impact on the ongoing discourse surrounding education, particularly in the rapidly evolving technological landscape, was evident. WISE 11 is poised to leave a lasting mark on the future of education, emphasizing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and transformative thinking.