UAE highlights flexible, skills-based education model at BRICS meeting

The UAE has proposed five priorities to strengthen education cooperation among BRICS countries.

The priorities focus on early childhood education, future skills, innovation and emerging technologies, recognition of qualifications, and developing academic leaders, supporting more flexible education systems aligned with labour market needs.

The proposals were presented at the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar, India.

The UAE delegation was led by Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al Shoaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Al Shoaibi said education remains one of the UAE’s key strategic investments, with the country working to build a flexible and innovation-driven system that prepares students for changing economic and technological needs.

The UAE also highlighted its experience in skills-based education, including the Emirates Skills platform and the QFEmirates National Qualifications Framework.

It called for stronger cooperation among BRICS members on recognising qualifications, supporting student and academic mobility, and advancing research, innovation and academic leadership.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the BRICS Education Ministers’ Declaration, which strengthens cooperation in skills development, academic mobility and the responsible use of emerging technologies.