Global education leaders, policymakers, and industry experts convened today for the opening of the AGF Summit 2025, focusing on the transformative role of artificial intelligence, technology, and strategic philanthropy in the future of education.
Hosted by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF), the summit explores how AI and data analytics are shaping education, addressing workforce readiness amidst rapid automation, and fostering public-private partnerships to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
With regional youth unemployment rates among the highest globally and digital exclusion disproportionately affecting women, the summit highlighted efforts to close opportunity gaps and advance digital inclusion.
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of AGF opened the summit by reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to education as a catalyst for transformation.
He stated, “As we embrace the UAE’s Year of Community, AGF is committed to a smarter, more sustainable education system—where government, private sector, and civil society unite for real, scalable change".
Dr. Sonia ben Jaafar, CEO of the AGF, emphasised the urgent need to reimagine education in a rapidly changing world. She stressed the importance of a comprehensive strategy to prevent the widening of the education gap and warned that current education systems worldwide are failing to adequately prepare youth, particularly in marginalised communities.
Speakers discussed how AI can be leveraged to broaden access to high-quality, personalized learning while addressing issues related to data privacy, ethics, and bias.
Industry leaders and academic experts also debated the increasing importance of skills-based education, micro-credentials, and alternative learning pathways, questioning traditional higher education models that no longer align with the changing job market.
