Global Schools Program Leads Workshop at the International Conference on the Teaching Profession in the Sultanate of Oman

Author: Global Schools Program

Tags: Education, Global Schools Program

At the invitation of the Oman Ministry of Education, the Global Schools Program joined the International Conference on the Teaching Profession on February 4-5, 2026. 

Held under the theme, “Sustainable Teaching in the Era of AI,” the conference brought together Ministry officials, practitioners, school leaders, and educators from around the world to discuss how AI is currently being integrated into education systems worldwide, and how considerations, such as human connection, critical thinking, and students’ learning, are being addressed by countries at the systems level. 

The conference opened with speeches from H.E. Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibani, the Minister of Education of the Sultanate of Oman; Dr. Mugwena Maluleke, President of Educational International; and Mr. Mohammed Gawdat, Former Chief Business Officer, Google X. 

The conference also featured several panels on topics including sustainable education in the age of AI, transforming the teaching profession and educational leadership, and sustainable professional development policies. Each of the panels included several high-level officials and practitioners, including Professor Amer Al Rawas, Former CEO of Omantel; Professor Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills, OECD; Dr. Manos Antoninis, Director of the Global Education Monitoring (GEM); Dr. Carlos Vargas, Chief of the Teacher Development Unit, UNESCO; H.E. Engineer Mohammed Al Qasim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates; H.E. Amna Al-Balushi, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the Sultanate of Oman to UNESCO; H.E. Dr. Bader Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education of the Sultanate of Oman; Dr. Hassan bin Mohsen Kharmi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for General Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; H.E. Dr. Insitar Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Educational Support Programs, Sultanate of Oman; Eng. Hamad Abdullah Al-Hamad, Assistant Undersecretary of Educational Affairs, Kuwait; H.E. Nawal Ibrahim Al Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Bahrain; and Shwetlena Sabarwal, Lead Economist, Education Global Practice.

The panels showcased specific case studies of how Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman are deploying AI across teacher training and student activities, and the practices of Kuwait and Bahrain in bringing AI to systems and schools across their respective countries.  

The conference also marked the launch of the “Global Report on Teachers: Addressing Teacher Shortages and Transforming the Profession” in Arabic, during a keynote address by Dr. Carlos Vargas, Chief of the Teacher Development Unit, UNESCO. The report asserts the need to recruit 44 million more primary and secondary teachers to the profession by 2030 in order to achieve universal education. Dr. Manos Antoninis, Director of the Global Education Monitoring (GEM), also presented a report on school leadership, highlighting the importance of creating an enabling environment for school principals to improve education as well as invest in the professionalization of school principals. Additional keynote presentations were held by Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills, OECD, and Shwetlena Sabarwal, Lead Economist, Education Global Practice.

During the conference, four separate workshops were hosted by the Global Schools Program, the International Baccalaureate, Stanford University, and the National Institute of Education, Singapore. 

Amanda Abrom, Director of the Global Schools Program, led a workshop for educators and school leaders on “Teaching AI for a Sustainable and Human-Centered Future.” The workshop focused on how educators can ensure students are future-ready through the lens of Education for Sustainable Development. Abrom encouraged educators to expand their thinking on how AI now affects the skills and knowledge students need in the digital age. 

After a series of interactive polls and a mini-lecture on the current state of AI in education, educators engaged in a peer-learning activity to explore: 

1. How AI and digital technologies were already being deployed at their school;

2. How ethical considerations are taken into account in their school context; and 

3. How AI can support or enhance students’ leadership and agency.

During the summit, the international delegates also had the opportunity to visit cultural sites around Muscat, as well as a UNESCO ASP-net associated school that was advancing digital technology in its day-to-day activities. Delegates had the opportunity to observe English, science, and computer science classes, seeing in real time how Omani teachers are using AI, virtual laboratories, and 3D modeling software to support students’ digital literacy. Students also showcase products created in entrepreneurship classes, discussing everything from product design to marketing strategies. 

The SDSN’s Global Schools Program is grateful for the generous invitation of the Oman Ministry of Education to deliver a workshop at this conference. We look forward to continued opportunities for collaboration.