Sharjah: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, marked his presence at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Sharjah International Education Conference held at the University of Sharjah. The event, under the theme "AI and Beyond: Smart Education Unlocking Potential in the Digital Age," gathered experts and scholars to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on education.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference, jointly organised by the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, commenced with the UAE national anthem and a recitation from the Holy Quran. H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed delivered a keynote speech, expressing gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for his leadership in making Sharjah a hub of knowledge and innovation. He also praised Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi for her efforts in elevating education on both local and international levels.
H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed emphasised the importance of collaboration between academic institutions in fostering innovation and shared knowledge. He highlighted artificial intelligence's transformative role in education, noting its impact on teaching methods, classroom dynamics, and institutional management. AI, he stated, enhances learning by promoting creativity and critical thinking among students and streamlines decision-making processes for educators.
Acknowledging the challenges of rapid technological advancement, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed stressed the importance of ethical AI implementation. He noted that the future favours those who prepare today, and the conference provides a platform for exploring AI's potential to create a smart, inclusive, and sustainable education system.
The Deputy Ruler reaffirmed the University of Sharjah's commitment to staying at the forefront of scientific advancement, equipping students with industry-aligned curricula and practical AI training. He concluded that scientific conferences play a crucial role in generating innovative ideas and solutions for educational progress.
Dr Tod Larsen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the significance of AI in global education and the need for ethical considerations. Dr Kamal Toumi of MIT highlighted the enduring importance of human creativity in an AI-driven world, stressing the value of hands-on learning in preparing students for the future.
The conference's panel discussion on AI ethics featured insights from experts like Dr David Toman, Dr Nikolay Mehandjiev, Dr Shermon Cruz, and Dr Habib Zaidi, who addressed the ethical challenges and governance of AI in education.
The two-day conference, hosting over 130 scientific research papers from more than 25 countries, aims to explore how educational institutions can prepare graduates for digital and technological transformations. The event underscores Sharjah's role as a global academic centre committed to building a smart and sustainable educational future.