The Chair of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Digital Education at Arabian Gulf University (AGU) is organising an international scientific symposium titled “Leading Digital Transformation: Strategies for Excellence in Inclusive Education” in partnership with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen. The event will take place from 29-30 April on the university campus in Manama.

The symposium aims to highlight the critical role of digital transformation in advancing the educational system by bringing together educators, teachers, policymakers, industry leaders, as well as regional and international experts to review innovative strategies that promote inclusivity and improve educational outcomes in the digital era.

Professor Waleed Khalil Zubari, Dean of the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences, stated that this event addresses the urgent need for educational leaders equipped to adapt to rapid technological changes. Discussions will focus on empowering teachers and administrators with practical skills and tools essential for effective digital transformation leadership.

Dr Al Ajab Mohammed Al Ajab, Supervisor of the King Hamad Chair for Digital Education and Head of the Department of Education and Curriculum at the university, explained that the symposium will feature distinguished speakers, including His Excellency Dr Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Walidi, Director of the National eLearning Centre in Saudi Arabia; Dr Anasse Bouhlal from the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen; and Prof Dr Erik Wende, Professor Emeritus of Digital Leadership at the University of Zurich.

The main panel discussion will feature esteemed academics and experts from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, highlighting the shared Gulf perspective on digital education and the importance of its policies. The event targets school and university teachers and administrators, policymakers, government officials, educational technology specialists, private sector representatives, besides researchers, students, and stakeholders interested in inclusive education.

The symposium aims to achieve several strategic objectives, notably enhancing digital leadership competencies among educators, supporting inclusive practices that address diverse learner needs, showcasing successful digital initiatives and emerging educational technologies, besides building partnerships and collaborative networks between educational institutions and industry sectors.

This event presents an opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration, contributing to the development of a more inclusive and efficient educational landscape in the region. Organisers anticipate practical outcomes such as strengthening digital leadership skills, developing innovative engagement strategies for all learners, raising awareness of best practices in digital inclusion, and establishing frameworks to support digital transformation initiatives across educational institutions.