RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s education minister called for a fundamental rethink of how nations develop human capital, warning that demographic shifts, technology, and global volatility demand long-term investment in skills and values.
Yousef Al-Benyan, who also chairs the executive committee of the Human Capability Development Program, opened the Human Capabilities Initiative in Riyadh by stressing the central role of human development in national resilience and growth.
“Our world is evolving faster than ever, driven by technological leaps, environmental sustainability, challenges, and also demographic shifts and global uncertainties,” Al-Benyan said.
“Yet, amidst these complexities, one important constant remains: human capability, the boundless potential of our people,” he added.
He underscored the need for lifelong learning and a transformative approach to education that prioritizes future-ready skills, curriculum reform, and teacher development. “We need to define the future roles of teachers — whether they remain a delivery model or transition into facilitators,” he said.
Al-Benyan also underscored that building human capability is essential to fostering skills, knowledge, and values. This, he suggested, empowers individuals to lead productive lives and equips future generations to meet challenges ahead.
On the opening day of the Human Capabilities Initiative, education ministers and policymakers discussed how technology and curriculum reform can shape the future of education. AN Photo
Policymakers discuss education
On the opening day of the Human Capabilities Initiative, education ministers and policymakers discussed how technology and curriculum reform can shape the future of education.
During a panel discussion titled “Activating and Expanding Human Potential from Preparation to #BeyondReadiness,” Al-Benyan stressed the critical role of human development in achieving national ambitions.
“We want to have an ambitious nation and a thriving economy. If you want to achieve this destination, the only way is to focus on human development,” he said.
Al-Benyan emphasized the importance of current and future generations and called for an evolving education system. “Our vision is not only to meet market needs but also to make sure that our education system, and more importantly, the higher education system, creates a new industry that can create new jobs,” he added.
The minister also stressed the need for curriculum reforms, stating: “We need to start also from changing the curriculum and make sure it has the proper focus on developing the skills requirement.”
He also underscored the need for regular performance assessments in education, diversity, leadership, and the evolving role of teachers. “We need to define the future roles of teachers — whether they remain as a delivery model or transition into facilitators,” he said.
UAE’s AI strategy
Sarah Bint Yousef Al-Amiri, UAE’s minister of education, shared insights on integrating artificial intelligence into education. “We have invested quite extensively well over a decade in EdTech (education technology). Our EdTech has integrated AI capabilities to provide a personalized learning experience within the classroom,” she said.
Al-Amiri urged policymakers to rethink education strategies around AI. “Our paradigm shift is not to think of AI as another EdTech tool but to evolve our education policy development centered around the human,” she explained. She also advocated for lifelong learning, stating: “We need to look at the education process as continuous, and not disruptive or disconnected.”
Maldives’ tech solutions
Maldives’ Minister of State for Higher Education Ahmed Shafeeu detailed the challenges of delivering education across dispersed islands. “We have about 200 islands where people live, while we have over 1,200 islands altogether. This creates many challenges,” he said.
The Maldives’ early adoption of technology was crucial during the pandemic. “In 2017, we made sure that we provided one tablet to every student in the Maldives, and it came as a blessing when COVID hit us,” Shafeeu noted.
He also highlighted remote teaching solutions to address teacher shortages, with technology helping bridge gaps in subjects like physics and biology.
The minister emphasized sustainability in education, saying: “What we do within the curriculum is help students understand sustainable lifestyles.”
The discussions at the Human Capabilities Initiative underscore the need for adaptive, technology-driven, and lifelong learning approaches to education. These strategies ensure that nations can navigate future challenges while unlocking the full potential of their people.
