Doha, Qatar – April 11, 2021:  Leading innovators from the worlds of sustainability, healthcare and education have been inspiring the next generation of leaders at an ACS Doha virtual round table – the fourth and final event in a series, entitled ‘The World Needs…’. 

 

Open to all online, ‘The World Needs…Innovators’ focused on the central role of innovation in our attempts to navigate tomorrow’s fast-changing environment of new technologies, increasing globalisation and climate crisis. Specifically, the event addressed how best to equip young people with the skills and abilities they may need in unpredictable times ahead.

 

The round table featured three keynote speakers, each with valuable experience of applying innovative ideas to their field of expertise: Ghanim Al Sulaiti, a Qatar-based entrepreneur and sustainability advocate, revealed how innovation has driven his successful business initiatives; Tamsin Greulich-Smith, Director of School of X at the DesignSingapore Council, discussed how innovation was transforming healthcare outcomes in Singapore; and Brianna Gray, Professional Learning and Growth Lead at ACS International Schools, described her vital work in helping young people join the next generation of innovators.

 

As a complete series, ‘The World Needs…’ has explored many areas of flexible learning and critical thinking, in line with ACS International Schools’ commitment to ensuring its students are as ‘future-ready’ as possible. Previous editions – hosted by ACS’s UK schools in Cobham, Egham and Hillingdon – put the focus on ‘tech-savvy learners’, looking at the huge role of technology in our everyday lives; ‘global citizens’, and what it really means to be one; and ‘adventurers’ – not just explorers, but risk-takers, independent thinkers and entrepreneurs.

 

The Doha edition attracted attendees from ACS Doha – students, parents and staff – as well as members of the wider community. The three expert panellists shared their insights and experience with an international audience.

 

Speaking on the link between innovation and sustainability, Ghanim Al Sulaiti said: “Every day presents a chance to challenge what we know. What is of importance is seizing each opportunity as it comes by being open to the idea of change and challenging ourselves to find solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our society. For me, innovation meant to bring a lifestyle that didn’t exist in Qatar. Beyond technology, innovation can be any form of change, such as to the environment or towards health, which enhances life.”

 

Transformation specialist, Tamsin Greulich-Smith, commented: “Innovation isn’t always radical; it can be really simple. It’s about understanding the needs of our societies and finding gaps that we can address with new ideas. Today, the innovator must embrace the complexities that come with an interconnected world, instead of seeing them as obstacles. But most importantly, when taking on such a role, we must be true to what we’re passionate about because that’s what inspires us the most to drive change.”

 

Brianna Gray, Professional Learning and Growth Lead at ACS International Schools, reaffirmed one of its core beliefs: “If there is one thing that education teaches us, it is that there is always something new to learn in light of the constant change we experience. By continuously adapting, discussing, and reflecting, we can challenge what we know and find new and better ways of doing things. So, in grasping the opportunity that comes from change, it is important to be creative. We know that innovators are curious and that they have creative intelligence and this is something we try to cultivate through our workshops and programmes at ACS Doha.”

 

Initiatives such as these virtual events build on the existing strengths of ACS Doha as the only Qatar school to offer both an Advanced Placement (AP) programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Its resources are also enhanced by a landmark new 60,000 sqm campus at Al Kheesa, opened in September 2020, with places for some 2,500 students, plus flexible outdoor and indoor spaces in which to create and innovate.

 

ACS International School Doha plays an active role in making students ready for future challenges.