GEMS IB Conference brings together IB educators from across UAE

230+ IB educators come together to share best practice, network, and inspire.

More than 230 educators from 12 International Baccalaureate schools across the UAE gathered at GEMS World Academy in Dubai to take part in the inaugural GEMS IB Conference. The conference featured prominent IB and guest speakers, including Pascal Ashkar, Senior IB World School Manager at the IB Organisation, as well as a series of interactive workshops, giving attendees the opportunity to learn from and network with fellow IB practitioners, reflect on their practice, and leave with inspiration, fresh ideas, and renewed energy to take back to their schools.

Highlights:

• 230+ International Baccalaureate educators unite for inaugural conference.
• Egyptian marathon runner and mountaineer Manal A Rostom gives keynote speech.
• Workshops held on variety of topics, aimed at enhancing teaching in IB classrooms.

“The inaugural GEMS IB Conference stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence in education. It underscores the profound relevance and paramount importance of advancing the International Baccalaureate philosophy, fostering a global mindset, and cultivating the multifaceted talents of our students.”

Dr Saima Rana - Chief Education Officer, GEMS Education and CEO/Principal, GEMS World Academy – Dubai

The conference included an inspirational keynote speech by Manal A Rostom, the Dubai-based Egyptian marathoner, mountaineer, Nike Running Ambassador, women’s rights activist, and founder of Surviving Hijab. Rostom, who in 2022 became the first Egyptian woman to scale Mount Everest, said: “I am excited to be a part of the first GEMS IB Conference. You never forget your first time! My message to all is to be brave, stay vulnerable, and go chasing your dreams. Always remember that if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough. And if you can dream it, you can achieve it.

Attendees, who came from both GEMS and non-GEMS IB schools in the UAE, had the chance to learn and discuss the key takeaways from the IB World Conference held in Dublin, Ireland.

They also took part in a series of workshops covering a variety of topics relevant to IB education today. These included: making the world a better place through Service as Action; the importance of work-life balance as an IB educator; inclusive curriculum design in the IBDP Theory of Knowledge; teaching with design thinking; and measuring sustainable community impact.