Beirut: The Abdulla Al Ghurair Hub for Digital Teaching and Learning at the American University of Beirut (AUB) hosted the TransformED 2025 Summit, a two-day regional gathering that brought together over 500 participants, including university leadership, policymakers, technology experts, educators, and innovators, to reimagine higher education in the digital age under the theme "Empowering Learner Experience."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the summit, held on AUB's Beirut campus, featured a dynamic program of keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and an industry fair showcasing EdTech innovations. It addressed critical questions facing higher education in the MENA region, such as expanding access and affordability, elevating educational standards, and aligning academic programs with the evolving needs of the labor market.
In his opening keynote, Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, highlighted the urgency of the summit's mission, emphasizing the need to reimagine access, affordability, and relevance in higher education while maintaining the human connection at the heart of learning. Danah Dajani, senior vice president of programs and partnerships at the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, spoke about building relevant, strong, and inclusive education systems for all learners.
Cindy Bonfini-Hotlosz, CEO of Centreity, stressed the importance of learner-centered design and holistic quality frameworks in education. She pointed out the need to focus on the process of learning rather than just the product. Hoda Sleilaty Younan, chief operating officer and chief marketing officer for Microsoft Middle East and Africa, discussed the impact of generative AI and the necessity for agility in adapting to technological advancements.
Panel discussions were organized around themes such as open access to education in the MENA region, enhancing educational standards, and the future of work. The panel "Digital Education in Times of Crisis" focused on ensuring continuity of learning during conflict and economic hardship, while another panel examined curriculum redesign and innovative assessment methods.
The session "Bridging Education and Employment" emphasized lifelong learning and equipping graduates with technical and transferable skills, highlighting the importance of employer partnerships. Parallel workshops and presentations allowed for deeper exploration of topics like designing engaging online courses and supporting learners in crisis contexts.
A highlight of the summit was the industry fair, where EdTech exhibitors presented emerging tools and platforms designed to enhance learning experiences. The summit concluded with a call for stronger collaboration across universities, industry, governments, and nonprofits to sustain innovation momentum.
TransformED 2025 reaffirmed AUB's role as a regional leader in transformative education, highlighting Beirut as a hub for critical dialogue and innovation in higher education.