Doha forum charts smarter pathways to uni success
Bridging the gap between school and university is no longer simply about academic preparation. It is about equipping a new generation with the scientific knowledge, technological skills and global out...
The Building Bridges to Higher Education forum in Doha brought together over 200 educators, university officials, and policymakers to discuss how to better prepare students for academic and career success in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Organized by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and UNESCO, the forum examined three key themes: preparing students scientifically in the AI age, facilitating the transition from secondary school to university, and fostering global citizenship through education for sustainable development.
Dr. Rachid Bendriss, associate dean at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, emphasized that university readiness requires coordinated guidance from educators and academic advisers. He stressed that the transition to university is a critical milestone that demands collaborative efforts to help students gain confidence, strengthen their scientific foundations, and acquire technology-driven skills necessary for the rapidly evolving world.
Dr. Saheim Khalaf al-Temimi, director of the Academic Bridge Programme, highlighted that university readiness extends beyond academic achievement to include self-confidence and an understanding of available opportunities. He noted that the partnership aims to translate educational dialogue into practical solutions that benefit both students and society.
Dr. Batool Hashem al-Sayed, director of the Higher Education Institutions Department at MOEHE, stressed that preparing students for the future is a shared responsibility across educational institutions. She stressed the importance of guiding students in making informed academic choices that align with national development priorities and global demands, particularly in STEM fields.
Salah Khaled, director of UNESCO's Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, broadened the discussion to include the importance of global citizenship. He argued that future graduates must possess not only academic qualifications but also values, adaptability, and global awareness to tackle complex challenges. Khaled emphasized that stronger collaborations between schools and universities can create more inclusive pathways into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) disciplines, while nurturing responsible global citizens committed to sustainable development.
The forum reinforced the message that educational success increasingly depends on seamless collaboration between educational institutions rather than isolated efforts at individual stages of learning. For Qatar, the initiative underscores the importance of connecting classroom learning with higher education, scientific innovation, and workforce development, helping to cultivate the skilled national talent needed to drive a knowledge-based economy.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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