Panel Discussion 5 - Supporting Higher Education Continuity: The Role of Governments and Public Policy

OVERVIEW

Addressing challenges, minimizing impact of the pandemic and capitalizing on the innovation stimulated by the crisis require a change and reform in public policy concerning education and a holistic strategy from governments that takes into account all key stakeholders to ensure equitable and sustainable education continuity, acceleration of innovation for a promising future and building resilience against future possible crises.

PANEL AIMS

1. Presenting a rapid assessment of the long term impact of the COVID-19 on countries and region’s educational systems in terms of challenges and innovative approaches that rose as a result of the pandemic.
2. Considering the differences among countries and regions in terms of responding to the pandemic and planning for post COVID-19.
3. Providing recommendations on policy responses and actions (i.e. policy reforms, financial measures, structural changes, social considerations, etc.) that governments should consider to support the higher education sector post the pandemic in order to promote continuity, re-imagine education and build resilience.
4. Sharing examples and good practices of government medium to long term strategies developed to support the sector post the pandemic.
5. Highlighting the role and efforts of organizations such as OECD, the World Bank, the Association of Arab Universities and UNESCO in supporting countries in their efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

PANELISTS