UNESCO's International Bureau of Education chooses HBMSU to train teachers globally

In a step that provides continuous academic and professional development opportunities

• The International Bureau of Education accredits the university to be the Arab regional center of excellence for curriculum and capacity development
• Mansoor Al Awar: “We are continuing to employ our advanced capabilities in establishing standards of excellence in updating curriculums in support of UNESCO’s efforts to provide quality education for all.”
• The move comes as a continuation of the success of the joint cooperation aimed at reshaping the future of education and learning in the Arab world and North Africa

UAE, April 26, 2021 - Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has been selected by the International Bureau for Education of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a strategic partner to train and qualify teachers around the world. The selection is based on the university’s history of fruitful cooperation with UNESCO to implement pioneering initiatives in educational development.

The university also received accreditation from the International Bureau of Education to serve as the ‘Arab Regional Center of Excellence for Curriculum and Capacity Development’, thus making a great way towards reshaping the future of teaching and learning in the 21st century Arab world.

The International Bureau of Education has renewed its continuous support for the university to implement the "Master of Arts in Online Curriculum and Instruction" program, which aims to achieve excellence in delivering, and assessing e-learning programs, which further reiterates the international confidence that the university enjoys as a scientific and knowledge hub.

The university was chosen by the International Bureau of Education, after its submission of a concept paper that outlines the memorandum of joint cooperation between HBMSU and the International Bureau of Education. The memorandum aims to develop and implement smart educational programs to support the growth and development of smart learning based on innovative curricula, as well as strengthen education systems and building capacities of key educational entities by acquiring knowledge, skills, and competencies in lifelong learning.

The university works closely with UNESCO to achieve common goals, especially upgrading competencies and developing advanced professional capabilities for those involved in school and university curricula in the region, including schoolteachers, educators, curriculum developers, principals, education policy makers, and other practitioners from kindergarten to grade 12 school systems and other higher education institutions in the Arab countries and beyond.

Commenting on the development, His Excellency Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, said: "We recognise the importance of being a strategic partner for the UNESCO International Bureau for Education to train, prepare and qualify teachers and equip them with modern skills and tools to overcome challenges and apply best educational practices. We are committed to disseminate our experience and employ our advanced capabilities in establishing a culture of excellence and comprehensive quality standards in the educational process. We are focused on building capacity in order to create an innovative educational and academic environment that supports a creative and qualified generation.”

He added: “Our designation as a regional Arab center of excellence for curriculum and capacity development reflects the high confidence that the IBE and UNESCO has in HBMSU. The university has proven itself to be an important partner and an influential force in reshaping the Arab and global educational landscape based on smart learning and lifelong learning models. It is only because of the insightful vision and continuous guidance from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University, to continue developing education and upgrading its quality to produce a generation which is qualified to advance the development process in the Arab world through creativity, innovation, knowledge and scientific research."

Al-Awar concluded: “We are proud of our constructive relations with UNESCO, which have so far resulted in tangible and influential achievements in shaping the future of the educational system, both regionally and globally. The development consolidates our leading position as an academic institution and a unique social development initiative to enhance the future of education in the Arab world. We renew our commitment to spread best practices and strengthen bridges with partner universities to achieve the fourth of the 17 sustainable development goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan, which is to provide high-quality comprehensive education by providing equal opportunities and enhancing learning opportunities for all. We are honoured to be at the forefront,  especially with the university being selected as an Arab regional centre of excellence and a main reference for upgrading the Arab curricula.”

HBMSU was chosen to be the Arab Regional Center of Excellence for Curriculum and Capacity Development after it achieved promising outcomes in cooperation with the International Bureau of Education and UNESCO in implementing the Postgraduate Diploma in Curriculum Design and Development in the Arab States. The degree was hosted and managed by HBMSU between 2016 and 2018, when the total number of graduates reached 78 from 16 Arab countries, out of which the female graduates were 42 per cent and male graduates were 58 per cent.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Curriculum Design and Development for the Arab States is an integrated program specially designed according to the highest international standards focused on developing the process of training and competencies in curricular affairs in Arab countries. It also adopts an international perspective in order to achieve a high-standard education that is equitable, innovative, and quality-driven.

The International Bureau of Education of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a global center of excellence in curricula and related matters. The office offers expertise to member states to help them enhance the global understanding of curriculum issues and optimally address them. The office also provides technical support in areas affecting the provision of quality and equitable education within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.