This introductory session is part of the efforts of Sharjah Private Education Authority to develop the education system and improve its outcomes in line with its vision of providing excellent education. It aims to guide students towards suitable educational options to contribute to building a sustainable and prosperous knowledge society.

The agenda of the event included a comprehensive presentation of International Baccalaureate programs, ranging from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP), as well as the Career-related Programme. International Baccalaureate experts provided comprehensive answers to attendees' inquiries about the curriculum structure, assessment methods, and benefits of the diverse programs offered by this global education system, as well as the steps for schools interested in joining the International Baccalaureate network.

The session featured a panel discussion moderated by Dina Khalaf, IB Development & Recognition Manager. The discussion, titled "Preparing for the Future of Education: Unlocking the  Transformative Power of International Baccalaureate Education," included contributions from Dr. Rabaa Al Sumaiti, Assistant Undersecretary for Licensing and Quality Sector at the Ministry of Education, Professor Kevin Mitchell, Director of the American University of Sharjah, Professor Kevin Mitchell, Advisory Board Professor at the American University of Sharjah, Vanda Gammoh, Campus Director of the American Gulf School Sharjah, Faiza Qureshi, Discipline Lead for the Master of Education Department at Murdoch University Dubai, and Sultan Altuniji, a third-year student in Electrical Engineering and graduate of the International Baccalaureate Programme from a Sharjah school.

The speakers highlighted the impact of the International Baccalaureate Programme on the future of education, the importance of investing in it, and the addition of new teaching methods that encourage creative thinking and promote sustainable education. They also discussed the most important educational and developmental opportunities provided by this global education system and ways to join it, emphasizing efforts to provide a consistent educational system focusing on mental and academic health and best teaching practices to empower students and prepare them to face future challenges.

H.E. Dr. Rabaa Alsumaiti praised the pivotal role of the teacher in developing the education system as its cornerstone and foundation for any curriculum, emphasizing the importance of enhancing their skills and preparing them to keep pace with the requirements of contemporary and future education. Sultan Altuniji, a student, shared his personal experience and highlighted the importance of the International Baccalaureate program, which paved the way for him to develop his skills and acquire knowledge and experience to help him face future challenges. 

It is worth mentioning that the International Baccalaureate Programme aims to support students in achieving their educational and professional success. Since its inception in 1968, the program has witnessed significant growth, with 1.95 million students enrolled in 160 countries worldwide and about 2 million graduates globally, highlighting the growing demand for this type of education.

According to statistics, the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) started in the UAE in 1992, with 59 schools offering this program nationwide. In Sharjah, schools have been offering the IB Programme since 2010, with six schools offering it until the current year.

The session invited schools interested in joining the International Baccalaureate Programme to directly contact the IB Council for assistance in accreditation and application and to visit the website for all information www.ibo.org.