Page 119 - MBRF ENGLISH PR REPORT - November 2024

11/25/24, 2:54 PM Latest News
Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO, emphasized the vast
benefits of OER in navigating worldwide education challenges. He underscored the importance of countries

and organizations working together and leveraging successful 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

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