Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, outlined the UAE's vision for a learner-centred education system that supports students' holistic development at the sixth Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipation Summit (GESDA) in 2026. Speaking at the “Education in the Age of AI" panel, she focused on preparing students for technological change and strengthening their ability to think independently, acquire knowledge and apply it.
Her Excellency highlighted the National Education Charter as a shared framework guiding education development in the UAE and aligning the system's priorities with the development of learners' knowledge, skills and values. She explained that preparing students for the future requires a coordinated approach to curriculum development and teaching practice, grounded in an understanding of students' learning levels and needs, with assessment findings used to target support and improve learning.
In this context, Her Excellency discussed the AI curriculum and efforts to strengthen teachers' capabilities, helping students understand the technology and use it thoughtfully and responsibly. She emphasised the teacher's role in guiding learning and developing students' abilities, while ensuring that students remain actively engaged in thinking, inquiry and building knowledge when using AI tools.
The panel explored how schools and universities can respond to technological change, the use of AI in teaching and learning, and the development of pathways that enable learners to continue their education and transition into employment.
Joining Her Excellency on the panel were Marilyne Andersen, Director General of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator, and Jay Siegel, Vice-President of the University of Hong Kong. The discussion was moderated by Urs Gasser, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Technology at the Technical University of Munich.
On the sidelines of the summit, Her Excellency met with representatives of Geneva's Department of Public Education, Training and Youth (DIP), the Office for Vocational Guidance, Vocational Education and Continuing Training (OFPC), and the Interprofessional Council for Training (CIF). Discussions covered vocational education and training strategy, governance and expansion, as well as ways to translate policy into education and career pathways, including accreditation, guidance and learner support.
Her Excellency also visited the Geneva Watchmaking School, where she met apprentices, teachers, company trainers and industry representatives. During a visit to ForPro, she learned about its support services for learners and employers, practical workshops, and spaces for fabrication and innovation.