Speaking at the preparatory meeting for the 25th GCC Ministerial Meeting on Higher Education (hosted by Kuwait on Monday), Acting Undersecretary Lamia Al-Melhem declared:

"Traditional educational pathways are no longer sufficient. We must urgently redefine priorities and develop an innovative model that:"

• Integrates education with scientific research

• Fosters innovation ecosystems

• Aligns with socioeconomic development needs

Strategic Imperatives:

1. GCC Educational Integration

   • Mutual recognition of academic qualifications

   • Joint degree programs across Gulf universities

   • Unified digital platforms and cyberinfrastructure

2. Digital Transformation

   • AI-powered personalized learning models

   • Smart assessment systems

   • Secure cyber-education environments

3. Next-Generation Universities

   • Platforms for critical thinking and knowledge production

   • Strategic industry-academia partnerships

   • Entrepreneurship-focused curricula

Critical Observations:

• "Cybersecurity in education has transcended technical concern to become a national priority for protecting academic sovereignty"

• "Artificial intelligence now fundamentally reshapes education through customized learning and intelligent assessment systems"

• "Our youth are not just graduates, but creative forces capable of solution innovation and future-building"

Regional Context:
The remarks came during Sunday's meeting of GCC undersecretaries, preparing for:

• Kuwait-hosted ministerial summit

• Implementation of unified Gulf cyber-education networks

• Advancement of the GCC's joint digital library initiative

Ethical Framework Emphasis:
Al-Melhem stressed the need for:

• Regulatory frameworks governing AI in education

• Preservation of cultural identity in digital transformation

• Human-centric AI deployment ("as an empowering tool, not replacement")

Vision for Gulf Universities:

• Innovation hubs bridging education and labor markets

• Guardians of intellectual property rights

• Incubators for strategic decision-making competencies