The Commencement of the 2nd World Giftedness Center International Conference 2023

With the participation of 1400 experts in the field of giftedness from around the world, the 2nd World Giftedness Center International Conference 2023 commenced on Monday 16^th of October. The event, organized virtually by Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, will continue until October 19th.

This conference provides a central platform dedicated to encouraging and disseminating the best international practices in the field of gifted education and talent development. It brings together 17 prominent speakers from various parts of the world, offering an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and discussions on how to shape the future of gifted education. The conference, spanning four days, addresses a range of important topics and issues such as talent development, gifted education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics education, and mentorship.

In his opening speech at the conference, His Excellency Dr. Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, extended a warm welcome to the participants and their dedication to staying updated on global developments in the field of giftedness. He stated, “It has been two years since our collective success at the conclusion of the First World Giftedness Center International Conference, held at Expo Dubai 2020. During that event, we underscored the significance of consolidating the endeavors of experts, educators, practitioners, and researchers in monitoring progress in gifted education and sharing the latest developments from various leading and concerned countries.  As a result, we have established improved communication, connectivity, and cooperation in our efforts to enhance the development of talent exploration and nurturing.”

He further emphasized that this has led to greater communication, collaboration, and participation among stakeholders and experts in their efforts to enhance the advancement of talent discovery and nurturing. He stressed that the convening of the 2nd World Giftedness Center International Conference, focusing on modern trends in talent development based on research and applications, is a significant subject that attracts the interest of stakeholders for further discussion, research, and consultation. This conference represents a pivotal point in the development of talent discovery and nurturing.

His Excellency also stated, “Under the visionary guidance of our ambitious leadership, In the United Arab Emirates, we have come to realize that the realm of achievement knows no boundaries. Knowledge and talent serve as the cornerstone for ongoing human advancement. This philosophy drives us towards creativity, innovation, invention, and offering successful experiences in various fields to contribute to sustainable human development.”

Furthermore, His Excellency Al Qatami added, “Pursuing medical advancements, achieving educational excellence in a rapidly evolving world, and harnessing talent to shape the future of humanity have been prominent and ambitious objectives deeply ingrained in the visionary legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These aspirations culminated in the establishment of various initiatives beginning in 1998, ultimately resulting in the formation of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences. Today, we reflect upon twenty-five years of dedicated and constructive endeavors. Through our international and regional partnerships, as well as your invaluable contributions, we have jointly launched numerous projects and programs dedicated to nurturing gifted individuals. Among these initiatives, the Global Talent Mentoring Program shines as a beacon, and our unwavering commitment is to advance continually towards the ambitious horizons envisioned by the founder of this endeavor, as we strive to maximize the potential of gifted individuals for the betterment of humanity.”

His Excellency affirmed that this conference is being held at a time when our country has witnessed numerous achievements in the field of supporting gifted individuals, thanks to the wise efforts and visions of our esteemed government, which aims to support the education sector and nurture talent through the strategic plans implemented by the state and the initiatives launched by government institutions and other organizations.

Dr. Jamal Al Muhairi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, emphasized that the Foundation was keen to organize this year’s conference virtually to ensure accessibility and participation from individuals all around the world. At the same time, the Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting the best international practices in the field of gifted education and talent development. This commitment is upheld through a dynamic and innovative blend of interactive virtual workshops and valuable seminars.

Dr. Al Muhairi emphasized that the conference provides an effective platform for exchanging ideas and experiences, exploring advanced methodologies, and presenting the latest findings from studies and research in the field of educational and pedagogical system development. It offers a range of sessions curated by global experts and specialists, with careful consideration given to addressing modern trends in the development of gifted education.

It’s worth noting that the World Giftedness Center launched in 2021 during the Expo its objectives, which include promoting and fostering a culture of best practices and excellence in the field of talent development on an international scale. This entails sharing best practices with the global gifted education community, establishing a global network of research institutions and guidance centers in the field of gifted education, and creating an informational and organizational center based on evidence for all stakeholders involved in fostering excellence worldwide.