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This episode of Wise On Air features a discussion with Abdallah Abu Sheikh, a young entrepreneur from the Middle East and founder of Astratech and CEO of Botim. The conversation, hosted by WISE Director Elyas Felfoul delves into Abdallah's unconventional journey through education, his critique of traditional education systems, and his views on failure as a gateway to success. Abdallah shares insights from his own experiences, highlighting the significance of learning from failure, the limitations of conventional schooling, and the potential transformative impact of AI on education and the job market. The episode explores the importance of developing a resilient, dynamic approach to learning and problem-solving in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Learn more about Astratech: https://astratech.ae/ Subscribe to WISE On Air: https://pod.link/wiseonair ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciat

How will major global forces such as demographic changes, resource stress, technology, and economic power shifts change our future? To answer this question WISE Director and Host of this episode Elyas Felfoul sits down with award winning media executive and entrepreneur Ana Rold. Ana is the founder of Diplomatic Courier which is a flagship network and magazine for top diplomats in the US and key capitals around the world. She founded the World in 2050 project in 2012 which has since convened over 20,000 stakeholders in various private and public sectors. Based on their findings so far we can observe 5 key mega trends that shape the trajectory towards our future. Tune in to WISE On Air to hear more. (This episode was recorded in September 2023 during the UNGA) Learn more about Diplomatic Courier: https://www.diplomaticourier.com Learn more about World in 2050: https://worldin2050.diplomaticourier.com Subscribe to WISE On Air: https://pod.link/wiseonair ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you cons

1 billion+ young people are expected to enter the workforce this decade - how can we ensure that young people are equipped and have access to as many opportunities as possible? Meet Taha and Omar Bawa, the brothers behind Goodwall. Goodwall is an app and online platform that upskills young talent and prepares them for future career success. While they develop skills, Goodwall support them to drive change and tackle global challenges, from the climate crisis to mental health. Some have described Goodwall as a platform that mixes LinkedIn with TikTok - making for a space that resonates with Gen Z and also enables them to learn and showcase skills to prospective employers. Since founding Goodwall, they have helped 2 million+ young people, 60% female, in more than 150 countries navigate their learning and earning journeys. Omar and Taha started Goodwall to inspire and encourage the next generation to achieve more and impact society positively. Stay tuned to hear WISE Director and Host of this episode Elyas Fe

What are the key skills we need to craft AI-resilient minds? In this episode of WISE On Air, Kian Katanforoosh and Mary Burns navigate the nexus of higher education and burgeoning AI-driven job markets. As a leading Computer Science Lecturer at Stanford as well as Founder & CEO of Workera, Kian holds a birds eye view into AI’s complex realms. Meanwhile, Mary works across the globe as an online instructor, curriculum development specialist, instructional designer, evaluator and researcher on effective e-learning programs for teachers and students. Join us as we aim to pinpoint X essential skills to thrive in an AI-centric future. Learn more about Mary Burns: https://bit.ly/3Ub5bQo Learn more about Workera: https://workera.ai Are you developing an innovative solution that can change the world? Apply for the WISE Prize before 15 March: https://bit.ly/48HmNYw ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly a

How can educators evolve alongside AI to drive student-centered learning? In this episode, Mark Kabban of Examined Leadership Collective and Pelonomi Moiloa of Lelapa AI share insights on AI’s role in future classrooms. With experience in data-driven education, Mark provides a unique lens into skills needed in tech-enabled classrooms. Meanwhile, Pelonomi’s AI development experience sheds light on human barriers to adoption. Join us for a timely conversation exploring how teachers can best utilize AI as a collaborative tool rather than competitor. We examine risks, limitations and opportunities to position educators to lead in the algorithmic age, with their irreplaceable human strengths intact. Subscribe to WISE On Air: https://pod.link/wiseonair Learn more about Lelapi AI: https://lelapa.ai/ ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciate it. Website: wise-qatar.org Twitter: twitter.com/WISE

Can education truly be a beacon of hope and change in the midst of a crisis? Or do we need to fundamentally rethink its utility? In this special episode of WISE On Air, we sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economist and advocate for sustainable development, to explore this pivotal question. As we navigate through the complexities of ongoing conflicts like in Gaza and the far-reaching impacts of the AI revolution, Dr. Sachs lends his insights into how technology, policy, and sustainable finance can reshape education in times of crisis. We delve into the potential of AI and other innovations in providing scalable education solutions where traditional systems are challenged by extraordinary circumstances. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that not only highlights the challenges but also uncovers the opportunities for education to act as a catalyst for resilience and equity in our dynamic world. Subscribe to WISE On Air: https://pod.link/wiseonair ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would y

How can technology and AI amplify grassroots efforts to advance gender equity in education? In this episode of WISE On Air, 2023 WISE Prize for Education Laureate Safeena Husain shares her insights from over 16 years of empowering girls in hard to reach areas. As founder of Educate Girls, Safeena pioneered community-based models to enroll over 1 million girls in school and boosted learning for over 1.9 million children. Her on-the-ground experience provides a unique lens into uplifting education at the grassroots level. Join host Aurelio Amaral for a conversation that explores to what extent AI can catalyze systemic change - when combined with grassroots efforts. Learn more about Educate Girls: https://www.educategirls.ngo Relive the WISE 11 Experience: https://youtu.be/u8ENVoiIAiM?si=2i77Z8lW5UzPvZTP Subscribe to WISE On Air: https://pod.link/wiseonair ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly ap

Register for the WISE 11 Summit - Doha, Qatar (28-29 Nov 2023): https://www.wise-qatar.org/wise-11/ As a result of the worst shock to education and learning in history, “learning poverty”—the percentage of 10-year-olds unable to read and understand a simple written text—has increased to 70%, according to the World Bank. And on top of that, we have constantly been hearing the word ‘reform’ quite a lot especially since the pandemic. A growing consensus that emphasizes the need for educaiton systems to not only prioritize academic skills, but teach students how to navigate uncertainty and change. In a world where educational landscapes are increasingly complex and challenging, a pivotal question arises: Is collective leadership the key to building a path towards systemic change in education? Does there need to be a more unified effort to achieve these changes, and how do we go about that? To answer these questions, we are honored to have Wendy Kopp, Founder & CEO of Teach For All and 2021 WISE Prize for Educ

As the metaverse continues to evolve from fiction to reality, with platforms like Roblox, Fortnite, and Meta gaining popularity, should we be concerned about its implications, especially for our children? The Metaverse has had a tumultuous development to say the least - last year following its reveal there was a lot of hype surrounding the potential of what it can be. But the conversation quickly died down with recent leaps in AI development taking center stage. But with recent news of hyperrealistic podcasts now being filmed in the Metaverse, we’re starting to get a glimpse of what this technology will entail in the future. With the concept of the metaverse still being an ambiguous concept to many, it’s important to go past the hype and consider the safety and privacy implications of this technology. To shed light on this issue, Founder of Bracket Capital, Yalda Aoukar shares alarming statistics about the rise in online child exploitation and abuse. She discusses how predators are using online gaming and

In this episode, we talk to four young Tunisians who are making waves in their fields of education, filmmaking, public policy, computer science, and edtech. They share their stories, insights, and perspectives on how AI is shaping the future of education, employment, and technology in Tunisia and the region. We also explore the impact and implications of AI and other new technologies on their own work and personal relations. Samy Chaffai, a filmmaker, content creator, and animal rights advocate who is pursuing a PhD in filmmaking. He is the founder of two YouTube channels, Ti 3leh and Samy Chaffaï, where he produces videos on various topics, such as comedy, education, culture, and social issues. His short movie, Prison of Numbers, premiered in the Pathe movie theaters in Tunis and Sousse in 2021, making him the first YouTuber in Tunisian history to debut a short movie on the big screen. Nesrine Mbarek, a student, activist, and researcher who is interested in public policy, gender issues, and economic develo

chool leadership is critical, but investment has declined. Our guests on this episode of WISE On Air want to transform education by transforming leadership. Dr. Asmaa Al-Fadala, Dominic Regester, and Anthony Mackay lead WISE ALL-IN, a network reimagining leadership through research, training, and advocacy. Their goal is to modernize education to prepare learners for today's world. But change takes more than policy. Their lived experiences fueled their drive for systemic change, from role models to seeing inequities firsthand. Their journeys show why leadership matters. We discuss the challenges we face, why leadership is so critical, and how they are building a community to transform education's future. Join us as we explore their vision, insights, and why education transformation starts with leadership transformation. ------ Relevant links: Learn more about WISE ALL-IN: https://www.wise-qatar.org/all-in/ Dr. Asmaa Al-Fadala: https://www.wise-qatar.org/biography/asmaa-al-fadala/ Dominic Regester: http

How can artificial intelligence breakthroughs be taken out of the lab and positively impact industries worldwide? In this episode, join Elyas and entrepreneur Chibeza Agley, co-founder of education technology company Obrizum, for an insightful discussion on the evolution of AI and its expanding applications. Learn how Chibeza, with a background in stem cell research, made the transition to successful startup founder leveraging AI to enable personalized learning and optimize knowledge transfer. Discover how Obrizum overcame perceptions, built diverse teams, and invested early in AI to provide value for organizations across sectors. Chibeza provides perspective on why quality measurement and data are integral to their approach, along with the importance of inventing ethically with AI. ------ Relevant links: BBC Article with AI Godfather: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65452940 Learn about Obrizum: https://obrizum.com/ ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review

The Philippines is an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, composed of more than 7,000 islands. It has a population of over 110 million people, making it the 13th most populous country in the world. It is also one of the most diverse countries in terms of culture, language, religion, and ethnicity. Education is a key factor in the development and progress of any country, and the Philippines is no exception. According to the World Bank, the Philippines has made significant improvements in its education system over the past decades, such as increasing enrollment rates, reducing dropout rates, and improving learning outcomes. However, there are still many challenges and gaps that need to be addressed, such as access to quality education and equity of opportunities. One of the pioneers and leaders of EdTech in the Philippines looking to bridge that gap is WISE accelerator cohort Edukasyon which is a social enterprise that empowers youth in the Philippines and around the world to make informed decisions about

In this episode, we talk about a region that is often overlooked in the global edtech landscape: the Middle East and North Africa, or MENA. MENA is home to more than 400 million people, with a young and tech-savvy population, a growing demand for quality education, and a huge potential for digital transformation. But despite these favorable conditions, MENA’s edtech sector has been lagging behind other regions in terms of investment, innovation, and adoption. Why is that? And what are the opportunities and challenges for edtech entrepreneurs and investors in this region? To answer these questions, we speak to Nafez Dakkak, managing partner of BLDR ventures. Nafez has had extensive experience studying, analyzing, and working in MENA’s education sector, helping spearhead Edraak, an online learning platform that serves millions of learners across the Arab world. He has also served as a senior advisor at the Queen Rania Foundation for more than 6 years. Tune in to hear Host and WISE Director, Elyas Felfoul ta

With the breakneck speed of modern technology’s evolution, differences of opinion on its role in the classroom often turn into bitter divisions. How can we better understand these viewpoints, taking them into consideration while also trying to keep up with the pace of technology? To answer these questions In this episode we speak to Manos Antoninis, director of Unesco’s global education monitoring report (or simply GEM) about their newly released report examining the question of ‘technology in education - on whose terms?’. The conversation covers a slew of interesting key insights from the GEM report, the role of governments in regulating tech, the hidden costs of technology in the classroom, positive vs negative outcomes, and much more. Listen to this full episode of WISE On Air featuring WISE Research Manager and Host of this episode, Selma Talha-Jebril in conversation with Manos Antoninis. Special thanks to Unesco and the GEM Report team. ------ Relevant links: GEM Report: https://www.unesco.org/gem-re

In this episode of WISE On Air, we delve into the world of learning ecosystems and explore how they can revolutionize education in the 21st century. As our formal education sector lags behind the rapid advancements of the digital age, we need to reinvent our approach to learning and knowledge. Education is no longer solely about delivering content; it's about learning how to learn, question, and interpret information in a critical manner. Our guests, Rosie Clayton and Sebastien Turbot, bring their expertise to the table. Rosie is an education specialist and Co-Founder of the Weaving Lab, which focuses on developing global expertise in learning ecosystems. With her extensive research experience at WISE, she expands our understanding of the field. Sebastien, now working with Earthna as the Director of Content and External Affairs, has a long history with WISE and recently led the publication on designing learning ecosystems, serving as a playbook for those interested in advancing the concept. Together, we exp

This episode is brought to you and produced by the Education City Speaker Series, a Qatar Foundation platform for open knowledge and discussion which invites various speakers from around the world to share key insights about our world for free with the public. Check out more of their conversations here: https://www.qf.org.qa/ecss When Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI (the organization behind ChatGPT and other tools like DALL-E) was invited to speak at Qatar Foundation’s Education City Speaker Series, many from the Qatar Foundation community quickly flocked to secure their seats for the talk. Prior to the day, a poll was shared with the audience asking them how concerned they are about the impact of AI on our world. The results were interesting, with just 18% stating not at all, 30% said a little, and an overwhelming 51% responded ‘very concerned’. The results are arguably reflective of a global sentiment - another recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that while a majority of US citizens kne

A few weeks ago, some of the top AI leaders in the world representing big names like OpenAI, Deepmind, and Google came together to sign a statement that urged caution to AI development worldwide. While there is plenty to be excited for, there is of course a lot of concern. Time Magazine recently wrote a piece comparing the development of this technology to the way nuclear energy was propagated. Some would even liken it to an AI arms race. Amidst this chaos of such easily accessible and generated information, we have to ask ourselves a fundamental question: Are our education systems falling behind in teaching us the most important lesson of all: the purpose and meaning of learning? In this episode of WISE On Air, Nadeem Nathoo, co-founder of The Knowledge Society (TKS), a global innovation program for teens aged 13-17. The conversation covers various topics related to emerging technologies and their impact on education, including the role of AI in education, how to develop a growth mindset, and the importanc

Register to attend GEF & WISE at Medellin: https://bit.ly/3LvdEI9 ------ You've undoubtedly heard of ChatGPT, the AI tool that's captured the attention of everyone from students and teachers to policymakers and governments. But the reality is that the pace of AI's evolution is already lightyears ahead of our ability to respond. Recent updates to Open AI's tool has enabled it to edit videos, write research papers, create a webpage from a rough sketch drawn on a napkin, and even serve as your very own virtual assistant for just about anything. The speed of its advancement has even made Open AI's founder, Sam Altman, a bit apprehensive about the ways it will change the world. Given the many implications of this powerful tool, we would be naive to think that we could tackle this multifacted issue in just one episode. So this time, we'll focus on the essentials: what do we know about AI so far and how should education respond? Recently, WISE Director Elyas Felfoul took a trip to Stanford University. He was su

Apply for the WISE Edtech Accelerator before 14 April: http://bit.ly/40dVNLQ ------ With so many technological breakthroughs, have you ever wondered if there was a way we could better systemize the implementation of edtech in the classroom in a way that benefits teachers rather than creating unnecessary burdens? Enter the world of testbeds. Edtech testbeds are essentially environments where new Edtech tools and approaches can be developed and tested in a controlled setting. But why do we need testbeds in the first place? Despite the rapid growth of the edtech industry in the MENA region and globally, there are still significant challenges facing the sector, including limited access to funding and a lack of technical expertise. On top of that, there's a crucial need for better alignment between edtech products and local education needs. This is where edtech testbeds come in as a crucial bridge, connecting edtech companies with educators to develop innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of learners in