The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) revealed the agenda of its debut edition of the Educational Publishing Seminar, to be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the International Publishers Association (IPA) on 28-29 October 2019, at Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Auditorium.
- seminar brings together Emirati publishers, the Ministry of Education and teachers to discuss how they can cooperate in developing a 5-year roadmap that will upgrade the national educational system and curricula, and support UAE's comprehensive development process that prioritises the protection of Emirati heritage and cultural identity. These goals align with the UAE Vision 2021 and support the Ministry of Education's vision for global knowledge, innovation and pioneering society.
The seminar is hosting 22 speakers including local and international officials and experts, as well as 20 teachers, to participate in the development of a five-year roadmap to transform the educational publishing sector in the UAE. Participants will also explore how this roadmap can support the implementation of the Ministry of Education’s vision of innovative education within a specific timetable and based on objectives agreed upon by both parties.
IPA President, Hugo Setzer, said “The IPA’s Educational Publishers Forum has been underlining the important of publishers cooperation with teachers and government as part of ensuring the best learning outcomes alongside, local solutions and choice for teachers. This comprehensive seminar programme with its commitment to practical outcomes is an outstanding way of bringing local and international expertise to the fore.”
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Vice President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), stressed that Emirati publishers have the talent and capability to produce national curricula that not only consolidates the values and identity of the UAE, but also adds value to students' education so as to render them capable of serving the nation and community.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi also noted that the seminar would contribute to the cultural development and prosperity of the UAE by enabling the development of content based on research and innovation, and thorough a wise understanding of the global trends in educational publishing and digital technology.
The top speakers’ list includes H.E. Dr. Rashid Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of Media Affairs at the National Media Council, Hugo Setzer, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), Ali Bin Hatem, President, Emirates Publishers Association and Dr. Hamad Al Yahyaei, Assistant Undersecretary for the Curriculum and Evaluation Sector, Ministry of Education.
Day One sessions
The program of the first day features five sessions.
Themed “The Current Status and Best Practice”, the first session discusses the international best practices of government, publisher, and teacher cooperation in educational publishing. It is presented by Wilmar Diepgrond, Chair, International Publishers Association Educational Publishers Forum and Richard Crabbe, International Textbook Policy and Educational Publishing Sector Development Expert.
Mahra Hilal Almutwei, Director General, UNESCO Regional Center for Educational Planning, will lead the second session titled ‘Educational Publishing in High-performing Education Systems. Experts participating in this panel are Hary Candra, CEO and Co-Founder of Pesona Edukasi, Wookun Hur, Head of Global Business Development & Strategic Alliance, Visang Education, Seoul; Caitrin Mullan, Director of Outreach, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.
The third session themed ‘Innovating Education: Challenges and Opportunities for Educational Publishers to Contribute to the UAE’s Development’ will be Isobel Abulhoul, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, Najla Al-Midfa, General Manager of Sheraa and Dr. Hamad Al Yahyaei, Assistant Undersecretary for the Curriculum and Evaluation Sector, Ministry of Education. The session is led by Ali Alshaali, Founder, Alhudhud.
Led by Mariam Fozan, Educational Cluster Manager, Ministry of Education, the fourth panel discussion themed “On the Frontlines: The Viewpoint of Teachers on Teaching and Learning Materials” will see the participation of Dr. Hanadi Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Centre for Learning Difficulties and Badria Al Ali, Manager, Lughati Initiative.
Day one closing remarks will be delivered by Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA.
Sessions of Day two
The first activity on the second day is a presentation on day one outcomes, by Ali Bin Hatem, President of EPA.
This will be followed by four breakout sessions to discuss how the Ministry of Education can cooperate more effectively with publishers and teachers. Group leaders of this session are Mohmaed bin Dakhain and Abdullah Al Kaabi – EPA Board; Sherifa Mousa, Director, Learning Resources and Educational Solutions; Ali Alshaali, Founder, Alhudhud; and Nada Saeed Salim AlKaabi, Teacher, Alghaith Elementary School.
The second day activities also include four sessions to develop a 5-year roadmap for how educational publishers can enhance cooperation with the Ministry and teachers, and how the Emirates Publishers Association can support them all.
The seminar will be closing with a presentation of final jointly agreed 5-year roadmap. It will be delivered by Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA.