Doha, Qatar: International experts, policymakers, and educators participated in specialized sessions and impactful contributions led by Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education at the WISE 12 Summit.

The discussions at the latest edition of the biennial summit organized by Qatar Foundation's (QF) global education initiative WISE explored the future of education, the development of more flexible and inclusive learning systems, and the use of technology in ways that support both teachers and learners, while preserving cultural identity and promoting mental health and overall wellbeing.

The contributions by QF's Pre-University Education (PUE) centered on several key themes, including the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing teaching and learning. Participants shared global research findings on training teachers to effectively use AI tools, outlining both opportunities and challenges.

They also highlighted Qatar's pioneering efforts in using schools as real-world testbeds for piloting AI-powered educational solutions, an approach that supports the creation of tools tailored to classroom needs and aligned with the local cultural context.

The sessions underscored the importance of involving diverse community groups in shaping educational policies through participatory approaches that ensure their voices are represented in decisions affecting their future. Insights were offered on designing more equitable and inclusive learning environments that give learners a stronger role in setting their educational priorities.

Student wellbeing and mental health were another major focus, especially in relation to excessive digital device use. Experts examined strategies for developing a national, multi-sectoral response to reduce digital dependency and support the mental health of children and adolescents, aligning with PUE's ongoing wellbeing efforts, including counseling services and QF's mobile phone ban in schools, aimed at fostering safer, more balanced learning environments.

Discussions also explored ways to promote healthier lifestyles within schools by improving nutritional environments and adopting a whole-school approach to strengthening positive health habits.

The summit also highlighted the future of progressive schooling and educational models that place purpose, learning, and wellbeing at the core of the student experience, an approach championed by QF through schools like Academyati, which offer flexible learning environments that empower students with greater autonomy. Speakers presented global and local case studies demonstrating how such environments cultivate independence, critical thinking, resilience, and cultural identity.

Young participants engaged in discussions aimed at redefining success beyond grades and academic rankings, emphasizing values, personal purpose, and ethical responsibility. Educators stressed the importance of keeping teachers at the center of the learning process and ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces their role.

Students and alumni from QF schools also took part in Youth Studio sessions, including youth ambassadors from QF's Akhlaquna initiative, where they shared short reflections on their learning journeys and how extracurricular experiences shaped their values and character. THIMUN Qatar students highlighted how simulation programs build leadership, dialogue, and collaboration skills, reinforcing youth empowerment and the values of sustainability and inclusion.

During the hackathon session, students presented innovative projects exploring the impact of technology on humanity and education, sharing creative work that documented their journey across QF's ecosystem. These contributions underscored QF's commitment to providing platforms that amplify young people's voices and enable them to play an active role in shaping the future of education.

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