Page 117 - MBRF ENGLISH PR REPORT - November 2024

experiences to offer educational solutions. Additionally, Dr. Jelassi highlighted
the use of advanced digital tools to enhance the education field.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, said: “The congress made
significant strides toward delivering open educational resources to underserved
communities. It marks a new achievement in the enduring collaboration
between the MBRF, the UN, and its associated bodies. Holding this event in
Dubai represents the culmination of our collaborative efforts in knowledge
dissemination and development, underscoring the UAE’s prominent role in
supporting major development endeavors and hosting global gatherings.”
The congress featured panel discussions facilitated by several senior
government officials and ministers from countries worldwide, including the
United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Slovenia, Tunisia, the Bahamas,
Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay. High-profile representatives from UNESCO,
the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO),
and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO)
also attended the event. Moreover, Malaysia, Morocco, Cuba, and Madagascar
highlighted prominent experiences implementing open education solutions.
Participants engaged in vital discussions regarding important topics related to
harnessing open solutions for building flexible digital ecosystems. They
underscored the significance of leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as AI
and machine learning, to increase digital accessibility. The discussions also
highlighted the advancement of worldwide digital cooperation and the resolution
of intellectual property concerns in advanced technologies and AI. Furthermore,
they explored methods to improve equitable educational opportunities and
address the educational requirements of the African continent, small island
developing states, and youth with regard to obtaining quality and fair education.
The congress discussions involved a range of initiatives covering AI and OER.
They highlighted the UNESCO University Twinning Network on Open Education
and the UNESCO Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Open
Educational Resource Repository. Moreover, strategies to expand access to open
educational content were explored locally and globally.
Furthermore, the congress examined the report on side sessions related to the
implementation of UNESCO’s 2019 recommendation on open educational
resources. It focused on the ‘Dubai Declaration on Open Educational Resources’,
which emphasized the advancement of quality and inclusive education, the
building of new workforce capacities, policies regarding open educational digital
resources, ensuring quality and accessibility, the sustainability of public digital
resources, and fostering partnerships to enhance digital collaboration.
The congress put forth key recommendations for countries to offer these
educational resources as part of a 7-year strategy aimed at empowering a
larger number of students globally. The conclusion of the congress delivered a
significantly positive and influential message, highlighting the remarkable
potential of OER and its role in achieving comprehensive accessibility of
knowledge.

https://mid-east.info/3rd-unesco-world-oer-congress-in-dubai-draws-to-successful-conclusion-
with-action-plan-to-empower-students-across-world/