International Baccalaureate Forum to focus on education and the Saudi Vision 2030

Key stakeholders in the education sector are set to learn about the Saudi Vision 2030 and how organizations such as the International Baccalaureate can support the changing needs of students and the education system.

The International Baccalaureate Forum, organized by the King Faisal Foundation (KFF) in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), will be held on Tuesday October 25, 2016 under the patronage of the Minister of Education H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al-Issa, who will deliver a speech on the education sector and its role in the Vision 2030, a far-reaching developmental plan launched earlier this year.

Several workshops and forums will be organized to introduce the IBO’s work in the Kingdom as well as outline the International Baccalaureate programs at primary and middle school levels, International Diploma Program and the Career-related Program. Other workshops on “The Changing Educational Landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, the forum’s central theme, will also be organized for school leadership and private sector investors. 

Under KFF’s patronage, 14 schools in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam have been receiving training on how to effectively deliver the IB program at primary level. This year, another 18 schools will be selected to receive similar support at middle school level. Results already indicate a positive contribution to the teaching and learning environment in schools and the development of a culture of young leadership in the country. This particular project is just one of KFF’s charitable initiatives in cooperation with the IBO and the Ministry of Education to prepare students, teachers and leaders of the International Baccalaureate programs. 

HRH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid, Secretary General of the KFF, said cooperation with the IBO dates back to 2008 and is part of the foundation’s efforts to develop the education sector. Notable examples of KFF’s education initiatives include the founding of the King Faisal Schools and Alfaisal University.

He said: “KFF is keen on providing a high quality of education that will help deliver young and proactive leaders to fill notable gaps in the labor market and improve its dynamism. It is my hope that this important forum will contribute to our efforts in this regard. I would like to commend the IBO, which has worked hard to develop ties with leading international organizations and governments such as ours to deliver international-standard education programs. Eleven Saudi schools in Jeddah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province have already been accredited to provide IB programs.”

Prince Bandar will open the forum at 9 a.m. and a welcome ceremony will then follow. Paula Wilcock, Chief Assessment Officer for IBO, will then deliver a speech on the development of the International Baccalaureate program in the Gulf region. Two International Baccalaureate graduates will present their own personal experiences as IB students.  In addition, an overview of the collaboration between KFF and the IBO on the current project will be presented. Dr. Al-Issa will conclude the inauguration program with his speech.