10 – 12 November 2026
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Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3
Dr. Christine Kerlin Nasserghodsi
Managing Partner - Verdant
Christine Kerlin Nasserghodsi is the Managing Partner of Verdant, a Dubai-based education consultancy focused on school improvement, AI strategy, and leadership development across the GCC. Formerly the Division Director for Education Improvement at ADEK and Head of Innovation Strategy at GEMS Education, she has advised government entities, school groups, and global organizations on systems change and innovation in education. Her doctoral research examines how school leaders exercise cultural agility to navigate and shape change, offering insight into the relationship between leadership, organizational culture, and adaptive capacity. Christine brings a practical lens to strategy development, particularly for schools planning or refining their approach to AI. She supports leaders in aligning purpose, pedagogy, and innovation to create conditions where transformation is both meaningful and sustainable.
Speaker Sessions
GESS Talks Live
1628
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Educators at the Core of Innovation: Embedding Human Skills in the AI Era [hosted by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation]
Session Summary:
As automation accelerates, educators play a pivotal role in equipping learners with the World Economic Forum’s “skills on the rise”—critical and creative thinking, leadership, emotional intelligence, and resilience and adaptability. While advances in AI expand what can be automated or optimized, they underscore the need for teachers to intentionally cultivate the higher-order human capacities—creativity, empathy, and moral discernment—that technology cannot replicate.
Drawing on insights from the World Economic Forum, OECD’s Education Framework, and Harvard Business School, this panel explores practical tools and strategies for educators to embed future-ready skill development in everyday teaching. Discussion will highlight how AI-literacy resources, digital assessment tools, and project-based learning credentials can help teachers design meaningful, human-centered learning experiences that prepare students for the future of work.
Participants will leave with ideas about actionable, evidence-informed tools to integrate into their practice—empowering educators to lead innovation in classrooms and beyond.
Speakers:
Nesma Farahat
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Senior Manager - Head of Programs - Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation
Prof Nadera Alborno
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Dean and Professor of Education - American University in Dubai
Categories:
Higher Education
Leadership and Professional Development
Primary Education
Secondary Education
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Panel Session: Invisible Barriers to Success: When subtle is strong and bold is best
Session Summary:
The session is comprised of an exploration of bold and subtle leadership, a panel discussion on overcoming barriers to success with Zoubiya Ahmed, Dr Christine Nasserghodsi and Dr Naira Hamdy and a micro-workshop on impact strategies.
Speakers:
Zoubiya Ahmed
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Director, Verdant & Co Founder - Highbright Education
