The Vice Minister of Education inaugurates the Childhood Thrives in 2030 Conference at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
Under the patronage of the Minister of Education, Her Excellency the Vice Minister of Education, Dr. Enas bint Sulaiman Al-Issa, officially inaugurated the Childhood Thrives in 2030 Conference today. The event featured the attendance of the Acting President of Princess Nourah University, Dr. Fawzia Al-Amro, and the Secretary-General of the Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Charitable Foundation, Her Royal Highness Princess Nouf bint Khalid bin Talal.
The conference, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, took place at the University's Conference and Convention Center in Riyadh. It was attended by education leaders, a select group of specialists, experts, and investors in the field of childhood, along with representatives from government agencies, educational institutions, and civil society organizations.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Dr. Saad Al-Harbi, Deputy Minister of Education for Early Childhood, said, “The Ministry of Education continues its tireless efforts to develop and improve the educational system to provide high-quality education in a safe and stimulating environment, enabling our students at all levels of education to actively participate in the renaissance of our pioneering nation and achieve educational excellence and global competitiveness, in accordance with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and its ambitious programs."
He extended his thanks and appreciation to Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University for organizing the conference, contributing to sustainable investment in early childhood, and supporting the initiative of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to protect children.
Al-Harbi emphasized the ministry's dedication to fulfilling its national and international responsibilities in achieving sustainable development goals. This commitment is reflected in its efforts to provide educational services that promote children's skills, well-being, and sustainable growth within engaging and stimulating educational environments. The Ministry also seeks to ensure that every child in the Kingdom has access to equal, high-quality educational opportunities. Additionally, it aims to increase kindergarten enrollment rates to 90% by 2030 and to expand nursery openings throughout all regions of the Kingdom by fostering effective partnerships with the non-governmental sector.
He clarified that the Ministry of Education, as part of its efforts to enhance educational performance in early childhood and improve learning outcomes, established the Early Childhood Agency as an independent entity focused on the age group, which includes nurseries, kindergartens, and primary grades. The agency developed policies and legislation, monitored its performance according to approved indicators, and implemented joint strategies with the National Institute for Educational Professional Development, the National Curriculum Center, and Tatweer Education Holding Company.
The Childhood Thrives in 2030 conference included scientific and dialogue sessions that addressed various topics, such as sustainable investment in childhood, children in the digital world, and their psychological well-being. Additionally, the conference offered a series of training workshops and featured an exhibition showcasing significant national initiatives and projects focused on childhood.
