Amman, July 13 (Petra) -- A pan-Arab forum exploring the role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in educating blind and visually impaired students opened in Amman on Monday.
The three-day event, titled "ALECSO Forum for the Blind and Visually Impaired," is organized by the Jordan National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, alongside the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).
Organizers said the conference brings together educational experts from across the Arab world, both in person and virtually, to promote inclusive education and harness assistive technology for visually impaired individuals.
Sultan Al-Khalif, Secretary-General of the Jordan National Commission, said at the opening ceremony that Jordan's educational sector receives continuous support from the country's leadership as a cornerstone for human development.
Al-Khalif noted that the Ministry of Education is developing its systems to guarantee equitable opportunities for all students, with a strong focus on integration, digital transformation, and innovation.
He also outlined the key pillars of Jordan's newly launched Strategic Plan for Educational Development (2026-2030). The strategy includes dedicated frameworks for sustainable digital transformation and inclusive education, aiming to expand access to high-quality learning environments and expand the use of modern technology.
Rami Iskander, Director of the Education Department at ALECSO, said that building more inclusive Arab educational systems is directly tied to empowering people with disabilities through digital advancements.
Iskander added that assistive technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital resources have become strategic tools that allow the blind and visually impaired to access knowledge, improve learning outcomes, and enhance their independence. He affirmed ALECSO’s commitment to working with Arab states to meet global sustainable development goals for education.
The first day of the forum included working sessions detailing regional efforts. Faiza Al-Falahat from the Jordanian Ministry of Education detailed domestic achievements in specialized student services, while ALECSO educational expert Waleed Al-Zubaidi delivered a virtual presentation on the global application of assistive tools.
Participants also reviewed a case study on Tunisia's educational models presented by Mabrouk Bouchoucha, alongside a presentation by Naseem Numan on the technological solutions and academic integration programs implemented by the German Jordanian University.
The forum will continue on Tuesday with presentations detailing educational frameworks from Syria, Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, and Mauritania. The final day will feature field visits to specialized Jordanian institutions to observe practical applications of educational technology.
//Petra// AF
