Al-Tabtabai: Unifying Gulf Vision to Develop Education

Minister of Education Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabai participated in the tenth meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Education of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, held in Manama. The meeting brought together education ministers to discuss ways to enhance educational cooperation, develop general education systems, and keep pace with emerging developments.

Al-Tabtabai emphasized that the meeting represents a significant milestone for strengthening educational collaboration among GCC states and unifying visions for the development of general education. He highlighted the importance of joint initiatives and projects that contribute to elevating the education system and leveraging successful experiences and expertise across the GCC member states.

He pointed to the importance of following up on initiatives previously proposed by Kuwait during the ninth meeting of the GCC Committee of Ministers of Education, hosted by Kuwait in 2025. These include the initiative for a Unified Strategic Framework for General Education and the initiative for the exchange of talented students and distinguished teachers. Al-Tabtabai affirmed that continuing work on these initiatives will strengthen Gulf educational integration, expand channels of communication and experience-sharing between students and educational staff, support talent and excellence, and facilitate the exchange of educational experiences and expertise among GCC states.

Educational Integration

Al-Tabtabai stated that developing education requires enhancing integration among GCC states in all areas related to the educational process. This includes strategic transformation in general education, international cooperation, and the development of the work of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States. He also stressed the importance of focusing on financial literacy, student activities, sports, and awareness programs, emphasizing the need to continue joint efforts that meet the aspirations of GCC states and the future of education, thereby contributing to the development of education systems and improving their outcomes.

Al-Tabtabai expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain—its leadership, government, and people—for their warm welcome, generous hospitality, and excellent organization. He commended the efforts made to ensure the success of the tenth meeting of the GCC Committee of Ministers of Education.

The meeting addressed several topics and initiatives related to the development of general education and the enhancement of cooperation among GCC states. Foremost among these was Kuwait’s initiative for a Unified Strategic Framework for General Education, aimed at strengthening integration and unifying strategic visions and orientations in the education sector.

The ministers also discussed Kuwait’s initiative for the exchange of talented students and distinguished teachers, which aims to enhance the utilization of educational experiences and expertise, support the development of students’ talents and capabilities, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices among distinguished educational staff in GCC states.

Preventive Programs

The ministers reviewed the Supreme Council’s decision, adopted during its 45th session held in Kuwait on December 10, 2024, regarding the Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs. They discussed efforts and programs related to the educational and awareness systems in this area, aiming to strengthen prevention and protect students and the school community.

Bureau Development

The meeting also addressed the development of the work of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States. It examined the issue of employing specialists from the ministries of education at the Bureau’s headquarters, a move intended to enhance institutional integration and leverage the specialized expertise of GCC states to support common Gulf educational efforts.

The ministers also reviewed the fourth of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which focuses on ensuring quality, equitable, and inclusive education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Additionally, they discussed instilling principles of financial literacy in school students and enhancing their financial awareness from early educational stages.

The meeting discussed aspects of international cooperation in educational and pedagogical fields and ways to develop it to serve the common objectives of GCC states. It also examined joint procurement of materials, systems, and equipment that support the educational process, thereby enhancing opportunities for integration and shared benefit.

Gulf Activities

The ministers addressed the Gulf School Sports Tournament and its role in supporting school sports activities and enhancing communication among students from GCC states. They also discussed the competition program for Gulf students, which provides opportunities for competition, creativity, and the development of student skills across various fields.