In commemoration of the International Day of Education, the Hanan Youssef Salon has brought together a host of academics, specialists, and thought leaders from across the Arab world to explore the critical issue of quality education in the context of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.
This was the 62nd session of the salon which is sponsored by the Arab Organisation for Dialogue and International Co-operation (AODIC).
The session was held virtually under the theme: “In Celebration of the International Day of Education: Quality of Education…for Quality of Life.”
Youssef, a professor of international media and president the AODIC, underscored the significance of the salon’s theme.
Quality education, she said, is a cornerstone of societal progress and renaissance.
She highlighted the imperative to address the transformative impact of technology, particularly the advent of artificial intelligence, on the educational landscape.
Youssef noted that the proliferation of AI-driven tools and technologies that are increasingly permeating the educational process, necessitate a thorough examination of their implications.
The salon fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas among participants who came from a wide range of countries, including Algeria, Libya, Lebanon, and Tunisia.
Discussions during the meeting focused on defining the foundations and standards of quality education and exploring practical strategies for integrating these principles into everyday life.
The participants delved into the multifaceted dimensions of education, encompassing human rights, sustainable development, effective educational leadership, and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence.
A key point of emphasis was the recognition of artificial intelligence and related technologies as an undeniable reality that must be strategically leveraged within academic and educational settings.
However, the participants cautioned against overreliance on AI, stressing the crucial need to preserve and nurture creativity and innovation among students.
The human element in education, they argued, must remain paramount, even amidst the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
The salon drew a high-caliber audience, including prominent figures, such as ambassador Youssef al-Sharqawi, a former assistant to the Egyptian foreign minister, Moataz Radwan, an international expert at the European Foundation for Quality, Mona al-Hadidi, a media professor and a member of the Supreme Media Council, writer and critic Azza Ahmed Heikal, who advises the president of the Arab Academy, Wael Badawi, an AI expert, among many others.
In her concluding remarks, Youssef unveiled plans for future sessions to further explore the complex interplay between education and artificial intelligence.
She reiterated the paramount importance of prioritizing education at all levels of society and among decision-makers, and recognizing it as a fundamental human right, a driving force for sustainable development, and a key determinant of quality of life and human development.
The Hanan Youssef Salon’s focus on this critical issue reflects a commitment to fostering dialogue and contributing to the advancement of education in the Arab world, Youssef said.
