The Fifth International Forum of the Educational Administration and Leadership Research Group commenced this morning at Sultan Qaboos University, under the theme “Reshaping Education for a Sustainable Future through Innovative and Inspiring Leadership.” The event was held under the patronage of Her Excellency Dr. Jokha bint Abdullah Al-Shukaili, Chief Executive Officer of the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education, in the presence of His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor, and a number of faculty members.

The forum is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education, represented by the Directorate General of Curriculum Development and the Directorate General of Educational Supervision, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, represented by the Directorate General of Private Universities and Colleges.

The forum aims to rethink the form and function of education amid rapid global change. It focuses on reshaping education to become more capable of preparing future generations, and more sustainable and innovative, through strengthened educational leadership, digital innovation, and sustained learning aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

A total of 282 papers and scientific studies are presented at the forum by researchers and speakers from 17 countries, including the Sultanate of Oman.

During the opening ceremony, Professor Yasser Fathi Al-Hindawi Al-Mahdi, Head of the Educational Administration and Leadership Research Group at the College of Education and Director of the Project on Enhancing Innovative Educational Practices in the Sultanate of Oman, delivered a keynote address. He noted that, in light of the rapid global transformations, there is an urgent need to reshape education to ensure its ability to meet future demands and prepare a generation equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values required to build a sustainable society. In this context, the Sultanate of Oman places great emphasis on sustainable development and on modernising the educational system. This forum reflects that commitment by focusing on innovative educational leadership, digital transformation, and sustainable learning. All of which are key themes that align with the forum’s objectives of developing sustainable educational policies, supporting innovation, and empowering leaders and teachers to address present and future challenges.

Professor Yasser Al-Hindawi added that the forum is held within the framework of a project funded by SQU to enhance innovative educational practices in Oman. It also forms part of the annual academic programme of the Educational Administration and Leadership Research Group, which brings together distinguished researchers, experts, and practitioners from Oman and abroad to discuss educational issues amid the accelerating global changes.