Years of political, economic, religious, and sectarian conflicts in the Middle East spurred by unsustainable water and energy supplies, rapidly expanding populations, environmental degradation, inadequate education, and nuclear proliferation has threatened the region and the whole world. Science diplomacy can yield initiatives to provide a bridge to peace where other forms of diplomacy have failed. The Malta Conference Foundation provides the only forum where scientists from 16 Middle East countries and Morocco can meet face-to-face and work together to solve problems that transcend geopolitical borders and address quality of life challenges. High unemployment for young people contributes to the instability of the region. The current educational approach emphasizes rote learning over critical thinking and a mismatch in the skills taught in school and those needed in the workplace leave many without jobs. At the Malta Conference, the cross-border collaborations formed during the education workshop focused on initiatives to improve learning outcomes and education quality and to attract more young people into STEM education and careers. This talk will focus on these innovative efforts to improve education in the region. Running against the atmosphere of the hostility of their governments, an added benefit is the trust and camaraderie the participants develop from these interactions.<br/>

Pursuing peace in the Middle East through science education

256th National Meeting (2018)

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