Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mudairis

Affiliation: RCQE-UNESCO

Position: General Director of the UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education

Country: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Dr. Chokri Barhoumi

Affiliation: UNESCO | RCQE

Position: Knowledge Management Specialist

Country: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Dr. Chokri Barhoumi is an associate professor specializing in knowledge management. In 2011, he obtained his PhD in e-learning and knowledge management from Macerata University in Italy.
He has 14 years of academic experience after PhD: From August 2011 to august 2024, he was an associate professor at Taibah University in Al Madinah, AL Munawwara Saudi Arabia.
Now, he is UNESCO | RCQE Knowledge Management Specialist (From 6 August 2025 to now).
His main academic and research topics are data analysis, knowledge management systems (KMS), data and information management, instructional design theories and models, electronic information systems design, modern methods in information technology project management, research design: tools and technics: Research methodologies and methods in information science and knowledge management (qualitative, quantitative, mixed, systemtaic literature review, metanalysis, SEM, PLS‒ SEM, model planning, biblometrics analysis, Environmental scan, etc.).

Dr. Khaldoon Al-Roomi

Affiliation: Arabian Gulf University

Position: Associate Professor in Family and Community Medicine

Country: Kingdom of Bahrain

Khaldoon Al-Roomi is a specialist Family Physician, an Associate Professor in Family and Community Medicine and a former Dean at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, kingdom of Bahrain. After his medical graduation (MD. Excellent Grade) from the College of Medicine and Allied Sciences, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he pursued his post graduate training from the United Kingdom (University of Dundee, MSc) and Australia (University of Newcastle, PhD). He has published around 60 papers in peer reviewed journals. His research interests are epidemiology of non-communicable diseases, evidence-based medicine, randomized clinical trials,
applications of artificial intelligence in education and training of health profession students and medical education. He can be contacted at email: alroomi@agu.edu.bh

Eng. Marwan Tarazi

Affiliation: Birzeit University

Position: Director, Development Insights & Creative Solutions

Country: Palestine

Marwan Tarazi is the Director of Development Insights and Creative Solutions at Birzeit University’s Center for Continuing Education. A strategist and thought leader, he has extensive experience in designing and implementing development models tailored to Palestinian and regional contexts. He previously directed the Computer Center and the Center for Continuing Education and co-founded the Unit for Learning Innovation.
Marwan possesses extensive experience in designing and implementing developmental models tailored to the region. He views innovation as essential for tackling the structural challenges facing education and society. While recognizing the transformative potential of AI and digital transformation, he maintains a critical perspective, acknowledging both their opportunities and unprecedented risks. His work focuses on knowledge production, innovation, and responsible digital transformation as tools for liberating thought and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

Prof. Nahla Mahmoud Gahwaji

Affiliation: King Abdulaziz University

Position: Dean, Faculty of Human Sciences and Design

Country: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Professor of early childhood education, specializing in quality evaluation in kindergarten. Member of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Council for Childhood and Development, President of the House of Expertise for Early Childhood Consultations and Studies, holder of the Medal of Excellence in Social Responsibility in addition to her membership in many local associations and organizations.
She has published the Kindergarten Quality Scale and the translated ITERS-3.

Prof. Rima Abdulrazzaq

Affiliation: Arabian Gulf University

Position: Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research

Country: Kingdom of Bahrain

Dr. Rima Abdul Razzaq is a professor of Physiology who obtained her BSc. degree at the American University of Beirut (AUB) in 1988, then a PhD in Physiology at the University of Southampton in 1992. She has taught all fields of Physiology for the past 30 years to medical, medical sciences and to master’s students. Her other academic roles within the problem-based (PBL) setting include PBL tutoring, chairing PBL and coordinating a few PBL problems. She also encourages innovation in education and accommodation of new teaching methods and technologies such as integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the medical curriculum for training the next generation of doctors.
She has also undertaken some administrative roles, such as chairing the Physiology department at AGU for 5 years and has been appointed as the Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at AGU last academic year.

Dr. Sharifa Alghowinem

Affiliation: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Position: Research Scientist

Country: United States of America

Dr. Alghowinem earned her PhD in multimodal AI from the Australian National University in 2015, following an MSc in Software Engineering at the University of Canberra in 2010 and a BSc in Computer Applications at King Saud University in 2004. Stationed at MIT’s Personal Robots Group as a research scientist, she develops AI models that provide insights for enhanced human-robot interaction. With an expertise in multimodal AI, Dr. Sharifa Alghowinem models human behaviors using advanced AI frameworks. Her research focuses on mood and behavior recognition, using speech, gaze, and body movements to detect conditions like depression, suicide risk and deception. With a teaching background at the University of
Canberra and a current role as Associate Director of postgraduate programs at Prince Sultan University, she possesses eight years of experience teaching computer science topics, such as AI, to diverse age groups.

Dr. Sheikha Hessa bint Hamad Al Thani

Affiliation: The Wellbeing Center & Qatar University

Position: Chairperson and Founder, The Wellbeing Center; Assistant Professor, Qatar University

Country: Qatar

Dr. Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the President and Founder of the Good Life Center for Professional Development and Training in Doha, Qatar. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Sciences and previously served as Dean of the College of Education at Qatar University. Her interests include advancing inclusive teaching, experiential learning, and integrating institutional well-being approaches. Her work focuses on learning that is guided by students’ interests, motivations, and diverse backgrounds. She is dedicated to exploring and adopting diverse curricula to transform educational programs towards entrepreneurship and renewing them to become experiential and collaborative. Dr. Hessa advocates for the development and introduction of innovative programs focused on building generations of responsible and engaged citizens.
Her recent research has centered on the concept of the good life in educational environments, approaches to inclusive education, and character development and education.

Prof. Waleed Zubari

Affiliation: Arabian Gulf University

Position: Professor – Water Resources Management Program;
Dean, College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences

Country: Kingdom of Bahrain

Ms. Tracey Jones

Affiliation: Chrysalis Mindset Coaching

Position: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Country: United Kingdom

Tracey Jones is a thought leader in Emotional Intelligence, having delivered her programs and methodologies to over 4,500 educators. With more than 670 coaching hours with senior leaders, her company, Chrysalis, specializes in the human element of leadership. Her passion lies in empowering both educators and younger generations to build strong toolkits for managing life transitions. Tracey collaborates with Directors of Education on senior team performance and consults on strategic leadership matters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in supporting over 400 head teachers, senior leaders, and politicians. She also works within elite sports and with ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families. Tracey is a member of the Institute of Leadership and Management, and her coaching practice adheres to the Global Code of Ethics of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). Her leadership programs are IOL accredited and endorsed at the highest levels within Wales.

Ms. BI Xiaohan

Affiliation: UNESCO-ICHEI

Position: Deputy Director

Country: China

Ms. BI Xiaohan is currently the Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI. She obtained her Master’s degree in Sociology from Tsinghua University in 2015. She worked in Libreville, Gabonese National Office for UNESCO, Africa, as one of the first group of officials sent by China to international organisations. In 2016, Ms. BI took on the new role in UNESCO-ICHEI. She has engaged in multiple ICHEI’s key projects and activities, encompassing the design and launch of IIOE, the development of IIOE online and blended learning quality assurance framework and mechanisms, expansion of international cooperation, design and establishment of IIOE National Centres, etc.

Mr. CAO Zian

Affiliation: UNESCO-ICHEI

Position: Chief of Global Partnership and Programme Office

Country: China

CAO Zian serves as the Chief of the Global Partnership and Programme Office at the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI). With rich experience in programme coordination and partnership development, he works to support the digital transformation of higher education institutions and the empowerment of higher education professionals. Prior to joining UNESCO-ICHEI, he worked at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, focusing on disability-inclusive development, gender equality, and other social development issues.

Dr. Chokri Barhoumi

Affiliation: UNESCO | RCQE

Position: Knowledge Management Specialist

Country: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Dr. Chokri Barhoumi is an Associate Professor specializing in Knowledge Management. He earned his PhD in E-Learning and Knowledge Management from Macerata University, Italy (2011). With over 14 years of academic experience, he served as an Associate Professor at Taibah University in Al Madinah Al Munawwara, Saudi Arabia (2011–2024). Currently, he is a Knowledge Management Specialist at UNESCO | RCQE (since August 2025). His research interests include data analysis, knowledge management systems (KMS), information and data management, instructional design theories and models, information systems design, IT project management methods, and research methodologies.

Dr. Salwa AlJassar

Affiliation: Kuwait University

Position: Associate Professor

Country: Kuwait

Dr. Salwa Abdullah Aljassar is an Associate Professor of Curriculum and Social Studies Teaching Methods at the College of Education, Kuwait University, and a former Member of Parliament and Chair of the Parliamentary Education Committee. She previously served as Director of the Curriculum and Textbooks Department at the Ministry of Education and has been a board member of several organizations, including the International Organization for Women’s Empowerment. She is also the founder of the Arab Women Academics Association. She earned her PhD in Curriculum and Teaching Methods from the University of Pittsburgh, and completed leadership programs at Harvard University and American University in Washington.

Prof. Waleed Zubari

Affiliation: Arabian Gulf University

Position: Professor – Water Resources Management Program
Dean, College of Education, Administrative, and Technical Sciences

Country: Kingdom of Bahrain

Dr. Amr Khairy Abdalla

Affiliation: University for Peace (UPEACE)

Position: Professor Emeritus

Dr. Amr Khairy Abdalla is a Professor Emeritus at the University for Peace (UPEACE). He has a law degree from Egypt where he practiced law as a prosecuting attorney, and a Master’s degree in Sociology and a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University.

For over three decades, he has been teaching graduate classes, conducting training, evaluation and research in conflict analysis and resolution and peacebuilding worldwide.

Dr. Najoua Fezzaa Ghriss

Affiliation: UNESCO | RCQE

Position:Director of Programs and Projects Department

PhD in Educational Sciences from the University of Tunis & Université de Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. Currently Director of Programs and Projects at the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education (RCQE-UNESCO). Formerly a university teacher at the Higher Institute of Education, University of Tunis.
Co- author of the Arab Knowledge Reports, Lead Author of the Arab Knowledge Index Reports and a core team member of the Global Knowledge Index (since 2017 till now) developed by UNDP and Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation. Scientific Committee member of the Arab Model for Quality and Excellence in Education, developed by the UNESCO-RCQE.
She has collaborated as an educational consultant and trainer with UNESCO, UNDP, ALECSO, France Education International, the Arab Council for Childhood and Development, DVV International…Her expertise focuses on sustainable development, evaluation and assessment, quality of education, comparative studies, educational indicators development.

Prof. Adel Mohammad Abuzenadah

Affiliation: King Faisal University

Position: President, King Faisal University

Country: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

October 2024–Present
President for King Faisal University.
April 2024– 2025
Member of the Board of Trustees at King Abdulaziz University.
January 2023 – October 2024
Vice President for Educational Affairs, King Abdulaziz University.
January 2023 – October 2024
Chairman of King Abdulaziz University Council Secretariat
January 2023 – October 2024
Chairman of King Abdulaziz University Deans’ Advisory Committee Secretariat
June 2018 – December 2022
General supervisor of all educational services at King Abdulaziz University
December 2017– December 2022
Director of King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz university, Jeddah. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
February 2017– December 2022
Director of the initiative to provide specialized medical and laboratory services at King Abdulaziz university, Jeddah. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ziad Omer Al Shaltouni

Affiliation: Al Ahliya Private School

Position: School Principal and Academic Researcher

Country: United Arab Emirates

Dr. Ziad Omar Al-Shaltooni is an academic and educational media professional currently serving as the School Principal of Al Ahliya Private School in the United Arab Emirates. He is also an academic researcher and professor at several universities. He holds a PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Jordan, a Master’s in Educational Institution Management from the American Academy, and a Higher Diploma in Education from the Canadian Institute of Studies in Dubai. He has extensive expertise in educational leadership, institutional development, and research supervision.