Damascus, Aug. 10 (SANA)The International Forum on Education and Innovation opened in Damascus on Monday, bringing together officials and experts to discussthe future of education, innovation and workforce development.The forum is organized by the Economic Group for Promoting International Investments in cooperation with the Syrian Computer Society, with the participation of Higher Education and Scientific Research MinisterMarwan al-Halabiand Education MinisterMohammed Abdulrahman Turko.Al-Halabi said the rapid advances inartificial intelligence, digital transformation and technology require a comprehensive reform of education and training systems based on skills development, innovation, foresight and competitiveness.He said Syria is seeking to engage with Syrian talents and expertise at home and abroad, welcoming serious initiatives to attract them, as Syrian minds represent a national asset. Their return and participation in rebuilding the scientific and economic sectors, he added, is a national priority.“Syria, which we are rebuilding today, needs an economy that invests in people, education that invests in the future, investment that believes in science, and science that translates into production,” al-Halabi said.Education Minister Mohammed Abdulrahman Turko said education is the foundation for development and innovation across all fields in Syria.He said the ministry’s strategy focuses on developing curricula that encourage innovation and building strategic partnerships withthe Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, including the Excellence and Creativity Authority, to identify and support young inventors and outstanding students.

“During the reconstruction phase, we are in greater need of out-of-the-box solutions as we face a major responsibility toward our people across all sectors,” Turko said.The forum, which runs until Aug. 12, aims to examine the future of education, explore innovation opportunities, strengthen international academic partnerships, exchange expertise and showcase leading initiatives. It also seeks to support the development of education systems, advance sustainable development goals and build scientific cooperation networks.