Participants in the second edition of the TRENDS International Education Conference, entitled: “Education and Identity in the Digital Age… Proposed strategies for preserving identity and shaping youth behaviors.” The conference was organized by Trends Research and Advisory, in partnership with the Bahrain Institute for Political Development. The discussions stressed the need for innovative educational policies to achieve the objectives of preserving identity and supporting positive youth behaviour. The participants stressed the need to enhance interaction and exchange between researchers, educational institutions and decision-makers to develop effective educational strategies.
The speakers explained that education is the fortress that guards national identity, which necessitates strengthening its role in supporting the values and traditions of society and enhancing the sense of national belonging. The contributors stressed the importance of strengthening the system of values and ethics in the various stages of education, especially early education, and working hard to preserve the inclusive national identity of individuals and communities.
The final recommendations were delivered by Fahad Al Mahri, Head of Trends Dubai Office. They focused on strengthening the efforts of countries aimed at developing modern and innovative educational systems that prepare students and educational institutions to contribute to the growing knowledge economy. There is a need for promoting adaptation to the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and promote interest in the Arabic language and the system of national values as a basis for preserving national identity.
“TRENDS AR”
In a related context, TRENDS Research and Advisory launched its innovative artificial intelligence project, with the launch of “TRENDS AR”, which allows browsing the center’s publications, research, studies, and various knowledge products, by using Apple’s Vision Pro glasses for augmented reality. This advanced technology enables readers to access the virtual world, read books and publications, visit the website and Trends’ social media platforms, as well as learn about its research, knowledge, training and advisory services easily.
Innovative learning environment
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education in the Kingdom of Bahrain, said that digital transformation in education refers to the use of modern technologies and digital tools to improve the learning process and provide an advanced and innovative educational environment. He said that the role of parents is pivotal in developing the educational process, and achieve acceptable levels, in behaviour and learning, thus achieving our aims in the context of the fast-changing world we live in today.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma said: “We are keen to work through the principle that education is a societal matter, that requires continuous interaction and positive communication with all segments of society. In fact, we live in the digital age and we face many challenges on how to guide young people to achieve a healthy balance between benefiting from technology in a changing world, and preserving their national identity.
The Age of Digital Transformations
H.E. Prof. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, explained that preserving the national identity is one of the most pressing issues in the era of digital transformations, which have become a threat to cultural and intellectual genes within countries and societies, indicating that preserving the concept of national identity is the pillar of the tent in preserving the homeland.
He pointed out that one of the most prominent issues facing the national identity is the large flows of cultural, intellectual and media variables coming from abroad. So, it is necessary to enhance the national culture through which strong community cohesion can be achieved that could overcome these emerging challenges. He said that the national identity has faced many problems. We should preserve cultural identity and develop education to protect national identity.
Multiculturalism
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, said in his opening speech that the debate on identity and how to preserve it is constant in various societies. However, it is gaining an exceptional momentum in the GCC countries in light of the rapid development of our countries in the field of information technology, artificial intelligence and their applications in various fields of life. GCC societies are characterized by multiculturalism that produces many opportunities and challenges alike.
He added that the interest of the governments of the region in the issue of national identity and the role of education and technical development is reflected in their continuous activities, programs and initiatives in support of national identity in various fields and institutions. The educational sector has an essential role in preserving identity and consolidating its values in the hearts of young people. He indicating that social changes related to digital technology and new applications have produced hybrid virtual cultures. This places more burden on those responsible for raising young people to preserve the pillars of national identity. We have to continue to interact with the contemporary developments within a framework of preserving the constants of our culture and identity.
Threats to Arab identity
Her Excellency Ms. Iman Faisal Janahi, Executive Director of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, delivered the welcoming speech of the conference. She stated that over the years, the Arab identity has been subjected to many threats, through attempts to plant negative cultures that are alien to it. This requires everyone to work hard to stop this adverse effect and promote authentic Arab values in young people and children. This would mean that everyone can enjoy a prosperous future, and create generations capable of protecting the homeland’s achievements.
Ms. Janahi said that in light of the wide use of modern technology, and the accompanying space for open platforms, the danger has become even greater and the need to act more urgent. For all this, the “Education and Identity in the Digital Age” conference came as a step to launch an effective initiative to learn about the relevant challenge and the methods and mechanisms to confront them. We believe this process should begin from the early years of life, through a societal culture and educational curricula capable of instilling authentic Arab values in young people. We have to prepare them to face All challenges and attempts to penetrate their indigenous identity.
Gulf Identity
The conference began with the first session entitled: “Education and Identity in a Changing World… Challenges and Risks.” The discussion was moderated by Dr. Lolwa Boudlamma, media and strategic advisor in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, spoke about “educational mechanisms and tools to promote national identity.” He stressed that the concerns of today for the Gulf identity began around a hundred years ago, as the Gulf countries were isolated from the world and the discovery of oil resulted in openness to civilizations and other cultures. However, despite this openness, the Gulf identity is still deep-rooted in the life of Gulf citizens.
He stated that the first stages of danger were about the language and its importance, but there is negligence from some educational institutions for the issue of the Arabic language. There is negligence with regard to the promotion of the Arabic language, and the biggest danger we face today is the lack of trust in the local community and fascination with Western culture that does not urge family communication about the importance of inherited customs. He stressed the urgent need for Gulf and Arab research centers that have an international outlook in all fields to discuss these emerging issues.
Developing the educational process
Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha May bint Sulaiman Al-Otaibi, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, touched on the mechanisms of optimizing the positive aspects of foreign education and reducing its negative impact on national identity. She explained that the educational system consists of certain pillars, not only the curriculum and the educational process, but also the the parents and national identity. Of course, we must also focus on developing the educational process through rational use of modern technology.
Her Excellency Sheikha May reviewed the experience of Al-Bayan School in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is a model in supporting national identity, through the development of Bahraini teacher tools. She added that the school was keen that the social workers be of Arab and Bahraini origin, because of their full knowledge of identity and social challenges, and the problems that the student may face and how to deal with them. She stressed the importance of transferring the image of education in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to the whole world, and transferring successful experiences that enhance the Arab identity that shape the behaviour of children in a changing world.
Promoting cultural roots
Dr. Soumaya Abdellatif, Head of the Center for Humanities and Social Sciences at Ajman University, said that education is emerging as a major driver for empowering young people with the values of citizenship, leadership and the ability to adapt to rapid changes. The opportunities offered by the digital age should be seized while thinking about innovative ways to promote cultural roots. The biggest challenge is to prepare learners with the skills required by the global digital context, including the ability to adapt and innovate.
She said that education is a pivotal force in supporting the UAE’s cultural heritage in the digital landscape. There is a need to achieve a delicate balance between adopting technological progress and preserving national values that support social cohesion. Digital platforms can be used to introduce Emirati culture, linking education, local culture and global citizenship.
National Research Strategy
Dr. Noura Al-Karbi, Chair of Research Outreach Department at the University of Sharjah, spoke about “The Applied Scientific Research Strategy in Shaping the Future of Education: National Priorities and Government Response.” She explained that the researchers’ efforts must be directed towards applied scientific research to shape the future of education. She indicated that the development of a national strategy for applied research shall determine the future of education in the region.
She indicated that this strategy needs to become a national priority that all government and private institutions, such as academic institutions, universities and research centers, strive to achieve. She added that the UAE has taken the initiative to enhance scientific research opportunities, through the launch of the Emirates Council for Scientific Research, which adopts the launch of research priorities in the country.
Cyber threats
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Government’s Cybersecurity Council, stressed that the UAE leadership was keen to emphasize the protection of the technological system in light of the great digital transformations in the country. He added: “We are working in the Council to strengthen this system to protect the country from various cyber threats.” He explained that the Council succeeded in facing all the threats to the infrastructure system, which was targeting its data system. The Council seeks through various initiatives to spread the culture of cybersecurity, because we found that the role of society, as individuals and institutions, is imperative to face all threats.
The Age of Artificial Intelligence
The second session touched on the issue of “Education and Identity in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Revolution.” The discussion was moderated by Mr. Awad Al-Braiki, Head of TRENDS Global Sector at TRENDS. Dr. Ebtisam Al Mazrouei, Executive Expert in Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology, reviewed ways to benefit from artificial intelligence technologies in supporting national identity.
She pointed out that the national identity is largely linked to the digital identity, and here comes the role of artificial models such as CHAT GPT and others. This technology represents the basis for the interaction of humans with the machine, but it is necessary to build national capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence, by enhancing education and training processes in this vital sector. We must develop the necessary legislations to regulate the programming of these models.
The Digital Revolution
On the opportunities and challenges facing the future of education and national identity, Dr. Yousef Mohamed Ismail, media professional trainer in the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressed that the world is witnessing radical transformations with the digital revolution, and it is not possible to talk about keeping abreast with these transformations without changing traditional education curricula and methods and teaching students how to deal with these developments. The presence of artificial intelligence and the world of robotics, meant that there are attempts to develop some relevant educational curricula. The positive side remains in the attempt, which we hope will bear fruit in the future.
He stated that there are many variables that have affected the educational system. We find that the decline in the family role, then the school, reading, media, as well as the mosque, have become major reasons for changing the educational system. This was reflected in the UNESCO report for 2020 on reading rates, which reported only six minutes per year in the Arab region.
Loss of identity
Mr. Sultan Al-Ali, researcher and director of the Global Barometer Department at TRENDS, stressed that the educational process faces many opportunities and challenges. Technology provides opportunities to enhance national identity through e-learning platforms that allow the integration of cultural and historical content into the curriculum, which enhances the appreciation of national identity in the hearts of young people.
The educational process faces many challenges, most notably: globalization and loss of identity, cultural bias in educational content, and digital and economic divides, which lead to the weakening of national identity and the deepen the gaps between the educational process and cultural impacts.
“TRENDS AR”
In a related context, TRENDS Research and Advisory launched its innovative artificial intelligence project, with the launch of “TRENDS AR”, which allows browsing the center’s publications, research, studies, and various knowledge products, by using Apple’s Vision Pro glasses for augmented reality. This advanced technology enables readers to access the virtual world, read books and publications, visit the website and Trends’ social media platforms, as well as learn about its research, knowledge, training and advisory services easily.
Innovative learning environment
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education in the Kingdom of Bahrain, said that digital transformation in education refers to the use of modern technologies and digital tools to improve the learning process and provide an advanced and innovative educational environment. He said that the role of parents is pivotal in developing the educational process, and achieve acceptable levels, in behaviour and learning, thus achieving our aims in the context of the fast-changing world we live in today.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma said: “We are keen to work through the principle that education is a societal matter, that requires continuous interaction and positive communication with all segments of society. In fact, we live in the digital age and we face many challenges on how to guide young people to achieve a healthy balance between benefiting from technology in a changing world, and preserving their national identity.
The Age of Digital Transformations
H.E. Prof. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, explained that preserving the national identity is one of the most pressing issues in the era of digital transformations, which have become a threat to cultural and intellectual genes within countries and societies, indicating that preserving the concept of national identity is the pillar of the tent in preserving the homeland.
He pointed out that one of the most prominent issues facing the national identity is the large flows of cultural, intellectual and media variables coming from abroad. So, it is necessary to enhance the national culture through which strong community cohesion can be achieved that could overcome these emerging challenges. He said that the national identity has faced many problems. We should preserve cultural identity and develop education to protect national identity.
Multiculturalism
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, said in his opening speech that the debate on identity and how to preserve it is constant in various societies. However, it is gaining an exceptional momentum in the GCC countries in light of the rapid development of our countries in the field of information technology, artificial intelligence and their applications in various fields of life. GCC societies are characterized by multiculturalism that produces many opportunities and challenges alike.
He added that the interest of the governments of the region in the issue of national identity and the role of education and technical development is reflected in their continuous activities, programs and initiatives in support of national identity in various fields and institutions. The educational sector has an essential role in preserving identity and consolidating its values in the hearts of young people. He indicating that social changes related to digital technology and new applications have produced hybrid virtual cultures. This places more burden on those responsible for raising young people to preserve the pillars of national identity. We have to continue to interact with the contemporary developments within a framework of preserving the constants of our culture and identity.
Threats to Arab identity
Her Excellency Ms. Iman Faisal Janahi, Executive Director of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, delivered the welcoming speech of the conference. She stated that over the years, the Arab identity has been subjected to many threats, through attempts to plant negative cultures that are alien to it. This requires everyone to work hard to stop this adverse effect and promote authentic Arab values in young people and children. This would mean that everyone can enjoy a prosperous future, and create generations capable of protecting the homeland’s achievements.
Ms. Janahi said that in light of the wide use of modern technology, and the accompanying space for open platforms, the danger has become even greater and the need to act more urgent. For all this, the “Education and Identity in the Digital Age” conference came as a step to launch an effective initiative to learn about the relevant challenge and the methods and mechanisms to confront them. We believe this process should begin from the early years of life, through a societal culture and educational curricula capable of instilling authentic Arab values in young people. We have to prepare them to face All challenges and attempts to penetrate their indigenous identity.
Gulf Identity
The conference began with the first session entitled: “Education and Identity in a Changing World… Challenges and Risks.” The discussion was moderated by Dr. Lolwa Boudlamma, media and strategic advisor in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, spoke about “educational mechanisms and tools to promote national identity.” He stressed that the concerns of today for the Gulf identity began around a hundred years ago, as the Gulf countries were isolated from the world and the discovery of oil resulted in openness to civilizations and other cultures. However, despite this openness, the Gulf identity is still deep-rooted in the life of Gulf citizens.
He stated that the first stages of danger were about the language and its importance, but there is negligence from some educational institutions for the issue of the Arabic language. There is negligence with regard to the promotion of the Arabic language, and the biggest danger we face today is the lack of trust in the local community and fascination with Western culture that does not urge family communication about the importance of inherited customs. He stressed the urgent need for Gulf and Arab research centers that have an international outlook in all fields to discuss these emerging issues.
Developing the educational process
Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha May bint Sulaiman Al-Otaibi, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, touched on the mechanisms of optimizing the positive aspects of foreign education and reducing its negative impact on national identity. She explained that the educational system consists of certain pillars, not only the curriculum and the educational process, but also the the parents and national identity. Of course, we must also focus on developing the educational process through rational use of modern technology.
Her Excellency Sheikha May reviewed the experience of Al-Bayan School in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is a model in supporting national identity, through the development of Bahraini teacher tools. She added that the school was keen that the social workers be of Arab and Bahraini origin, because of their full knowledge of identity and social challenges, and the problems that the student may face and how to deal with them. She stressed the importance of transferring the image of education in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to the whole world, and transferring successful experiences that enhance the Arab identity that shape the behaviour of children in a changing world.
Promoting cultural roots
Dr. Soumaya Abdellatif, Head of the Center for Humanities and Social Sciences at Ajman University, said that education is emerging as a major driver for empowering young people with the values of citizenship, leadership and the ability to adapt to rapid changes. The opportunities offered by the digital age should be seized while thinking about innovative ways to promote cultural roots. The biggest challenge is to prepare learners with the skills required by the global digital context, including the ability to adapt and innovate.
She said that education is a pivotal force in supporting the UAE’s cultural heritage in the digital landscape. There is a need to achieve a delicate balance between adopting technological progress and preserving national values that support social cohesion. Digital platforms can be used to introduce Emirati culture, linking education, local culture and global citizenship.
National Research Strategy
Dr. Noura Al-Karbi, Chair of Research Outreach Department at the University of Sharjah, spoke about “The Applied Scientific Research Strategy in Shaping the Future of Education: National Priorities and Government Response.” She explained that the researchers’ efforts must be directed towards applied scientific research to shape the future of education. She indicated that the development of a national strategy for applied research shall determine the future of education in the region.
She indicated that this strategy needs to become a national priority that all government and private institutions, such as academic institutions, universities and research centers, strive to achieve. She added that the UAE has taken the initiative to enhance scientific research opportunities, through the launch of the Emirates Council for Scientific Research, which adopts the launch of research priorities in the country.
Cyber threats
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Government’s Cybersecurity Council, stressed that the UAE leadership was keen to emphasize the protection of the technological system in light of the great digital transformations in the country. He added: “We are working in the Council to strengthen this system to protect the country from various cyber threats.” He explained that the Council succeeded in facing all the threats to the infrastructure system, which was targeting its data system. The Council seeks through various initiatives to spread the culture of cybersecurity, because we found that the role of society, as individuals and institutions, is imperative to face all threats.
The Age of Artificial Intelligence
The second session touched on the issue of “Education and Identity in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Revolution.” The discussion was moderated by Mr. Awad Al-Braiki, Head of TRENDS Global Sector at TRENDS. Dr. Ebtisam Al Mazrouei, Executive Expert in Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology, reviewed ways to benefit from artificial intelligence technologies in supporting national identity.
She pointed out that the national identity is largely linked to the digital identity, and here comes the role of artificial models such as CHAT GPT and others. This technology represents the basis for the interaction of humans with the machine, but it is necessary to build national capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence, by enhancing education and training processes in this vital sector. We must develop the necessary legislations to regulate the programming of these models.
The Digital Revolution
On the opportunities and challenges facing the future of education and national identity, Dr. Yousef Mohamed Ismail, media professional trainer in the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressed that the world is witnessing radical transformations with the digital revolution, and it is not possible to talk about keeping abreast with these transformations without changing traditional education curricula and methods and teaching students how to deal with these developments. The presence of artificial intelligence and the world of robotics, meant that there are attempts to develop some relevant educational curricula. The positive side remains in the attempt, which we hope will bear fruit in the future.
He stated that there are many variables that have affected the educational system. We find that the decline in the family role, then the school, reading, media, as well as the mosque, have become major reasons for changing the educational system. This was reflected in the UNESCO report for 2020 on reading rates, which reported only six minutes per year in the Arab region.
Loss of identity
Mr. Sultan Al-Ali, researcher and director of the Global Barometer Department at TRENDS, stressed that the educational process faces many opportunities and challenges. Technology provides opportunities to enhance national identity through e-learning platforms that allow the integration of cultural and historical content into the curriculum, which enhances the appreciation of national identity in the hearts of young people.
The educational process faces many challenges, most notably: globalization and loss of identity, cultural bias in educational content, and digital and economic divides, which lead to the weakening of national identity and the deepen the gaps between the educational process and cultural impacts.
