University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) recently held a forward-thinking and successful event on campus to celebrate World Teachers' Day 2023. The occasion featured key participants, Mr. Salah Khaled, Director, UNESCO Doha Office for Gulf States & Yemen, Sheikha Aisha Mubarak Al Thani, Head of the UNESCO Section at the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science (QNCECS) alongside 20 distinguished educators from the QNCECS and the University’s faculty. The program included an interactive presentation and talks focused on important themes: the current global teacher shortage, the UNESCO perspectives in addition to delivering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in an age of disruption.
UDST is Qatar’s leading applied education institution, highly regarded for its proactive response to education and industry trends. The event was a chance for the University to raise awareness of key global issues affecting education, and to recognize the adaptability and creativity of its own teaching staff.
Commenting on the event, Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, President of UDST said: “At UDST, we are proud that our teachers competently adapt to evolving technologies, ensuring their students have access to a truly innovative learning environment. The World Teachers’ Day program was not only a platform to discuss educational challenges, but a show of support for our talented teaching staff.”
Professor Michael Phillips, Director of Applied Research, Innovation and Economic Development at UDST, said, “Now, more than ever, we are witnessing diverse challenges in education. Not only does the world need more teachers, but it is faced with constant technological change, often redefining the overall approach to education. Nowhere can this be seen more clearly than in TVET.”
The session was opened by UDST’s Vice President of Academics, Dr Rachid Benlamri, who delivered a personal welcome address. This was followed by a talk on global teacher shortages given by Sheikha Aisha Mubarak Al Thani, Head of the UNESCO Section at MOEHE. The influence of technology in the classroom was clear during the interactive keynote presentation, delivered by Professor Phillips, where he posed questions on topics such as the transformation of education, next-level TVET, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning, and sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. Mr. Salah Khaled, Director of the UNESCO Doha Office for Gulf States and Yemen, also shed light on UNESCO perspectives, and the program closed with a dedicated thank you from UDST students.
The event demonstrated a high level of support and appreciation for UDST teaching staff and all educators present at the event. Technology may be reshaping education, but teachers remain as crucial as ever.
