London, May 19 (SANA) Syria is participating in the Education World Forum in London from May 17-20 as part of efforts to modernize the education system, expand digital transformation and integrate artificial intelligence into learning.
The Syrian delegation includes Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Marwan al-Halabi, Education Minister Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko and other officials, who held meetings with international counterparts to discuss educational cooperation, capacity building and recovery projects.
During talks with a British Foreign Office delegation, the two sides discussed cooperation in education, reconstruction and initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
The British delegation included Peter McDermott, development director for Syria, and David Hunt, Head of the Syria, Yemen and Iraq Department.
McDermott said Britain was interested in supporting Syria’s stability and rebuilding its education sector, including school rehabilitation projects in Idlib through UNICEF, alongside child protection and language programs.
Hunt said stronger cooperation with the Syrian government and support for rebuilding infrastructure, the economy and education were priorities for Britain, describing Syria’s long-term stability and development of a skilled workforce as key objectives.
Al-Halabi said Syria was focusing on education development during the reconstruction phase through scientific research, innovation and entrepreneurship, alongside the introduction of courses in artificial intelligence, smart agriculture and cybersecurity.
Al-Halabi said about 1.4 million students remained out of school, underscoring the need to expand e-learning, remedial education and digital infrastructure while increasing technical education enrollment to about 40 percent.
In separate talks with Christian Bodewig, the World Bank Group’s director for education and skills, Syrian officials discussed projects related to learning recovery, blended and digital education, teacher training, school rehabilitation and emergency response systems.
Al-Halabi said Syria’s participation in the forum reflected efforts to strengthen international academic partnerships and support development of the country’s education system.
The Education World Forum, held annually in London, brings together ministers and officials from around the world to discuss developments and challenges related to education and skills systems.
M.F / ABD
