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