Global Innovators 2013: Leading and Learning in Technical and Vocational Education

4 to 7 April 2013, Doha, Qatar

From 4 to 7 April 2013, the College of the North Atlantic – Qatar, a UNEVOC Centre, in partnership with UNESCO-UNEVOC, UNESCO Doha Office and Qatar Petroleum, organized Global Innovators 2013 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha, Qatar. With the theme “Leading and Learning in Technical and Vocational Education,” Global Innovators 2013 was the first international TVET event in Qatar and the region. The three-day event aimed at bringing together the world’s leading practitioners in TVET to discuss the global challenges in TVET development placing learners at the centre of the dialogue. The global event attracted 650 participants from 42 countries, including government representatives, practitioners, and researchers from the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Latin America, Europe and North America.

Opening remarks were delivered by Ms Anna Paolini from the UNESCO Doha Office. In her opening speech, she highlighted how Global Innovators 2013 contributes to the sharing of experiences and development of new ideas towards innovate pedagogical approaches to better prepare students for the demands of the labour market and enable them to reach their aspirations. James Knight, President, from the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), a UNEVOC Centre, and Bill Lucas, a renowned TVET expert also presented in the opening panel. Keynote presentations and concurrent sessions touched upon a wide range of themes and initiatives focusing on teaching and learning; supporting learners; leadership and innovation; applied research; counselling; and regional cooperation. Keynote speakers included Patch Adams, John Baker, Markus Maurer, Roger Fisher, Maryellen Weimer, Eric Chester, Mark David Milliron, Brian Little, Bill Lucas and Guy Claxton.

The event included an exhibition, which featured local and international organizations, and also included a UNESCO booth where visitors could find key TVET publications and information materials. Alongside the conference, a Think-Tank session was organized to call attention to Qatar’s progress in TVET, and how this focus is helping the country to realize its National Vision 2030 and along with it, the goals of the National Development Strategy.

The conference provided the opportunity to continue the debates held at the 3rd International TVET Congress and highlighted the importance of identifying the needs and aspirations of learners and teachers in TVET by utilizing technology and stimulating innovative solutions to the challenges of the 21st century.

All proceedings of the conference will be made available online on the conference website