The Sector of Education of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the Intellectual Seminar on “Teachers of Quality Education: Unsung Heroes.” The Seminar was held in observance of World Teachers’ Day by UNESCO Regional Center of Quality and Excellence in Education in Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Iraq, whose Minister, Mr. Ali Hameed Mukhlif, gave the opening address. The seminar brought together education decision-makers, experts, researchers and teachers.

The seminar, held today, Tuesday, October 5, 2021, via videoconference, aims at promoting the status of teachers; acknowledging their perseverance to ensure the continuity of the educational process in all circumstances; highlighting the exceptional efforts they exerted during the COVID-19 pandemic; and anticipating their ever-changing needs in light of the educational challenges of the 21st century.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Borhene Chakroun, Head of UNESCO’s Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, opened the proceedings of the seminar with an address, followed by the session on “Measures to ensure teachers’ wellbeing in a rapidly-changing world.” The seminar also featured a session on “Heroes in ordinary and extraordinary contexts,” which highlighted the inspiring experiences of the respective Ministries of Education of the Hashemite Jordan, Morocco, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Youssef Abou Daka, Mr. Aziz El Hajir, and Dr. Ahmed El Zonfoli, Program Directors, represented ICESCO’s Sector of Education in the Seminar.