Sohar International’s pioneering thought leadership platform, ‘Viewpoints’, is hosting its 4th virtual session and 9th edition on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 starting at 7:30pm, on the Bank’s official YouTube Channel. Chaired by Mr. Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sohar International, the 9th edition of Viewpoints titled “The Urgency to Transform Education” will host Ms. Maysa Jalbout, a visiting Scholar and Special Advisor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Arizona State University.

From lack of access for the most vulnerable around the world to unsatisfactory learning outcomes in too many countries, the topic lined up for the evening will reflect on the need to rethink the educational system in order to solve persistent learning gaps and create a better future for all future generation. The guest speaker will share from her extensive experience in building high-impact philanthropic institutions, her insights as part of a global think tank, as well as her strategies in advising two world leading universities on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Sharing his views on the subject, Mr. Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sohar International said, “Ever since its initiation, Viewpoints has aimed at bringing learnings from global best practices to benefit Oman’s socio-economic landscape. With the upcoming session, we have paid careful attention to opportunities and challenges raised by COVID-19, especially in a sector like education. Going forward, the magnitude and scale of challenges we face as humanity require us to shift our thinking fundamentally about the purpose of education. The impact of the pandemic has exposed skill gaps that exist, but has also brought forth the strength of the social infrastructure in the region and the education sector's openness to change. Our esteemed guest speaker, Ms. Maysa Jalbout is a credible academician and scholar, who will discuss the need to rethink the educational system in order to create a future that is both sustainable and equitable.”

“Oman has an imminent presence of a young, dynamic and aspiring population that seeks qualitative education that is based on real world experiential learning and is tailor-made to drive community impact. This itself makes it essential to familiarize knowledge that provides tangible solutions for implementing sustainable practices in an ever-evolving economic environment, especially in the Sultanate.”, he added.

Maysa Jalbout is a recognized leader with 25 years of experience in international development and philanthropy. Her work has paved the way for better lives for children, young men and women in the most vulnerable communities around the world. Forbes recognized Jalbout as one of the 100 most powerful businesswomen in the Arab world in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

In the last few years, Viewpoints – Sohar International Chairman’s forum, has gained audience eyeballs, for hosting the best of international experts as speakers. This, coupled with intriguing and engaging conversations, has put Viewpoints as a benchmark in events focused at building leadership equity.

Be a part of Oman’s banking industry’ most anticipated knowledge session! Subscribe to Sohar International’s YouTube channel to watch the 9th edition of Viewpoints live, https://www.youtube.com/c/SoharInternational, on December 15, 2020 starting at 7:30pm.