Page 308 - MBRF ENGLISH PR REPORT - November 2024

11/13/24, 11:57 AM MBRF and UNESCO host 3rd UNESCO World OER Congress - Middle East News 247
Bringing together policymakers, educators, and innovators from across the world, the congress will open
avenues to explore the transformative potential of Open Educational Resources (OER) in advancing

equitable access to knowledge.

Empowering Access through Open Solutions

The Congress will explore how OER can be leveraged to advance global digital collaboration, in line with

UNESCO’s 2019 recommendation. Participants will engage in in-depth discussions on best practices,
innovations, and strategies to scale the impact of OER. A key focus will be on collaborative approaches to
broaden access to OER worldwide.

A Vision for the Future of Inclusive Learning

The congress will further establish guidelines to promote openly licensed content and tackle challenges
arising from AI and other emerging technologies. Discussions will conclude with the Dubai Declaration for
Action on OER, outlining concrete steps to advance inclusive and equitable quality education.

Many countries have made exceptional progress in implementing UNESCO’s OER recommendations, with
their initiatives set to be highlighted at the congress. For instance, in Cuba, the Virtual Health University

transformed healthcare education by providing flexible, accessible, OER-based learning for professionals,
even in remote areas. Furthermore, Madagascar addressed exceptionally to COVID-19 challenges by

launching an e-learning platform, distributing tablets, and utilizing radio broadcasts to bridge digital divides in
primary education. In addition, Malaysia’s inclusive OER Policy ensures accessible resources to all,
supported by the government for educator training and technology investment. Meanwhile, Morocco’s 2024
national strategy for OER and Open Science aims to modernize education and expand research accessibility,

driven by strong engagement from educators. These initiatives showcase diverse approaches to advancing
equitable access to knowledge through OER across different contexts.

The congress aligns with the objectives of Knowledge Summit, which has positioned itself as a leading global
event for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and success stories. The impact extends beyond

https://menews247.com/mbrf-and-unesco-host-3rd-unesco-world-oer-congress/ 2/3