The Qudwa 2017 Global Teachers' Forum, held at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi on 7th and 8th October, concluded yesterday with a great message to inspire teachers to move on and promote their teaching skills and to employ the various teaching and learning methods they learned in their classrooms Andreas Schleicher, Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD, headlined the closing plenary session of the Qudwa Forum with a summary of key highlights of the diverse sessions. His remarks included advice and words of encouragement to teachers, particularly young teachers and those working in challenging environments.

He said, "What teachers know and care about makes such a difference in a student’s development." Emphasising the value that is added to a learning environment when teachers are dedicated, Schleicher shared with the audience his experience of working with educators to identify the impact of policy changes related to teacher pay, extended educational time, and professional development and changes in educational performance.

Andreas Schleicher is also Special Advisor on Education Policy to the Secretary-General of the organisation in Paris. Schleicher supports the Secretary-General’s strategy to produce analysis and policy advice that advances economic growth and social progress.

He thanked the UAE leadership for its long-standing support of teachers and its priority in education, to improve standards and produce better results across the board.

Under the theme, ‘Teaching for Tomorrow’, the forum convened more than 900 education professionals from 80 countries to discuss the latest global trends in empowering teachers and inspiring students.