Al-Melhem: Higher education is a key to building a knowledge economy

• The ‘New Kuwait 2035’ vision for education aims and believes that ‘investing in education is an investment in the future’.

• The 19th conference, was held under the theme ‘A Flexible Higher Education System that Keeps Pace with Rapid and Steady Global Changes’.

• Al-Melhem emphasized the importance of building flexible and innovative educational systems that can adapt to prepare future generations to face emerging challenges.

The Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Lamia Al-Melhem, confirmed on Thursday that the State of Kuwait has prioritized higher education as a key pillar of its “New Kuwait 2035” vision.

This vision aims to build a knowledge-based economy by producing national competencies capable of driving comprehensive development, with the belief that investing in education is an investment in the future.

This statement was made by Lamia Al-Melhem in her speech on behalf of Kuwait at the opening of the 19th Conference of Ministers and Officials Responsible for Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Arab World, held in Abu Dhabi.

The conference, organized by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), was held under the theme ‘A Flexible Higher Education System that Keeps Pace with Rapid and Steady Global Changes’.

Al-Melhem, who leads the Kuwaiti delegation to the conference, stated that the State of Kuwait believes that higher education is a fundamental pillar in achieving sustainable development.

The wise political leadership recognized early on the importance of investing in human minds as the true engine of progress. Consequently, it prioritized human development and worked to enhance it in alignment with global changes and the evolving needs of the labor market.

Al-Melhem stated that the meeting today at this conference is not just an opportunity to exchange ideas, but a call for joint action to shape the future of higher education in our Arab nations. Together it must be reformulated to keep pace with the rapid global developments driven by modern technology, scientific innovations, and economic and social changes.

Regarding modernizing education, Al-Melhem emphasized the importance of building flexible and innovative educational systems that can adapt to these developments and prepare future generations to face emerging challenges. She stressed the need for enhanced cooperation between sisterly and friendly countries, the exchange of experiences and ideas, and the establishment of partnerships in scientific research and development.

Al-Melhem reiterated the State of Kuwait’s commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at developing the higher education system and achieving sustainable development goals. She expressed hope that the conference would accomplish its objectives and that the recommendations would be implemented through practical steps, leading to progress and prosperity.

Furthermore, Al-Melhem expressed her gratitude to the UAE and its President, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for hosting the conference, as well as for the warm reception and excellent organization by the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization.

Al-Melhem also conveyed the greetings of the Minister of Higher Education in the State of Kuwait, Nader Al-Jalal, along with his best wishes for the success of the conference.

Importantly, Al-Melhem heads the State of Kuwait’s delegation to the 19th Conference of Ministers and Officials Responsible for Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Arab World, alongside the Director General of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Dr. Hassan Al-Fajjam, and the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait University, Dr. Osama Al-Yousef.

The one-day conference featured working sessions, including a presentation on the unified Arab system project aimed at verifying the credibility of academic certificates and protecting them from forgery using block-chain technology.

Additionally, the report from the experts’ meeting held the previous day was presented, followed through discussions and approval of the recommendations.

Source: Al Jarida