Omolabake Fasogbon
Education ministers, innovators, and leaders from around the globe are set to gather in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for the World Schools Summit in November. Hosted at the Yasmina British Academy, the event aims to address deepening learning challenges and reform educational strategies to ensure relevance in the 21st century.
With over 1,000 education leaders, policymakers, and technology partners expected to attend, the summit, organized by T4 Education, Aldar Education, and the Emirates Foundation with support from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), comes at a critical time. Concerns are rising that millions of children, particularly in Africa and low-income regions, may be left behind due to outdated curricula and inadequate digital infrastructure.
According to recent assessments by the World Bank, over 70% of 10-year-olds in developing nations are unable to read and comprehend a simple story, a situation exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vikas Pota, the founder of T4 Education and the World Schools Summit, emphasized that the world is at a critical juncture where inaction on education could contribute to global instability. “We must take urgent action to halt runaway climate change, adapt as AI revolutionises our economies, promote peace in the face of destructive conflicts, and tackle the most enduring inequalities,” he stated. “A better world is possible, but only if leaders from across the planet, from governments to businesses, NGOs, academia, and tech, recognise that at the heart of all these crucial questions lies education.”
Prominent figures expected to participate include Ben Gomes, Chief Technologist for Learning and Sustainability at Google; Angeline Murimirwa, CEO of CAMFED and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025; and Rebecca Winthrop, Director at the Brookings Institution. Discussions will focus on leveraging technology and AI to reshape classrooms, featuring insights from major companies such as Microsoft, Google, and HP.
Caroline Mutepfa, Director at Microsoft Elevate, remarked on the importance of AI-driven tools in education: “AI-driven tools and personalised learning pathways are key to empowering educators and students, building confidence and career readiness. We’re excited to explore responsible AI integration in classrooms and learn from global education leaders.”
A significant highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the Global EdTech Prize, designed to recognize and reward technological solutions in education. Finalists, which include start-ups and non-profit organizations, will pitch their innovations live, with educators determining the winner through voting.
As the summit approaches, it underscores a growing recognition that addressing educational inequities is essential for fostering a more stable and prosperous global environment. The collaboration of diverse stakeholders at the World Schools Summit is pivotal in redefining learning for future generations.
For more information, visit T4 Education, Aldar Education, and the Emirates Foundation.
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