TRENDS Research & Advisory is participating in the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference (DIHAD) 2025, held from April 29 to May 1, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Themed “Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarized World,” the conference brings together more than 130 prominent speakers, and features about 170 sessions and workshops focusing on humanitarian diplomacy in the areas of human security, climate change, migration, and global health challenges.
At the invitation of DIHAD 2025, TRENDS researchers contributed to the Global Summit for Development, held in conjunction with DIHAD under the theme “Shaping the Future of Global Education in a Polarized World.” They participated in a panel discussion titled “Technology and Innovation in Education,” moderated by Abdulaziz Al-Marzouqi, a researcher and Director of TRENDS’ Global Offices Department.
Transformations and Risks
During the panel discussion, Abdullah Al-Khaja, a researcher at TRENDS, said that AI tools and advanced technologies have brought about significant transformation in the education sector, but complete reliance on digital tools may endanger the core values of learning. He cited the COVID-19 pandemic during which technology reshaped the educational process, where digital platforms became the new classrooms, and technology offered a variety of tools that ensured the continuity of learning. However, this also marked a major shift, making technology a central element in various sectors and aspects of life.
Al-Khaja cautioned against confusing convenience with dependence, emphasizing that artificial intelligence or digital devices cannot replace human interaction, such as face-to-face engagement, classroom conversation, and immediate remarks. He added that AI should be viewed only as a tool. Overreliance on it, especially by students who use generative AI to shortcut the learning process, threatens the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. He noted that the danger is not just poor performance, but the erosion of intellectual property.
Effective National Strategies
Al-Khaja out that the benefits of educational technology are not distributed equally, as millions still lack the infrastructure needed to access basic education via the internet. Innovation alone cannot solve this issue, which requires broad reforms, international cooperation, and effective national strategies specifically designed to build digital infrastructure.
He mentioned global efforts, such as China’s integration of AI curricula into schools and the efforts of international organizations to expand refugee access to digital learning, as examples that confirm the importance of adapting these efforts to achieve tangible impact at both regional and global levels.
Al Khaja emphasized that TRENDS Research & Advisory is firmly committed to connecting research with policymakers by providing executable visions and advocating for education systems that integrate AI without sacrificing human-centered learning.
