AGP Executive Report

EV Skills for Students: Envalior opened an EV Centre of Excellence at MM Polytechnic in Pune, training about 250 ITI and polytechnic learners annually with NSDC-certified courses in EV service, safety, diagnostics and systems. Gaza Child Safety: UNICEF says at least 300 children have been killed in Gaza since the October 2025 “ceasefire,” warning that aid and school reopening plans must translate into real protection. School Closures in Kuwait: Kuwait ordered the closure of the only private Iranian school, suspending new admissions for the coming academic year and urging parents to transfer students. AI in Education Governance: AITHOS and the University of the Witwatersrand hosted a roundtable on ethical AI use in education across Africa and the Middle East, focusing on transparency and accountability. Renewables in Kuwait: Souq Sharq signed for an 8.77MW rooftop solar project, aiming to cut emissions and support Kuwait’s renewable energy targets. AI Storytelling Talent Hunt: EROS Universe launched India’s biggest AI creator audition across Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai to recruit AI writers and directors for microfilm challenges. Cost of Education Pressure: A report highlights how shrinking aid and rising costs are pushing families to choose between meals and schooling, threatening children’s futures.

Kuwait Education Policy: Kuwait ordered the closure of the country’s only Iranian private school, suspending new admissions for the coming academic year and urging parents to transfer students elsewhere, after repeated Iranian attacks during the regional conflict. Gaza Child Protection: UNICEF says at least 300 children have been killed in Gaza in the 300 days since an October 2025 ceasefire announcement, warning that violence, displacement, malnutrition, disease, and damaged sanitation are still pushing children out of school and into crisis. Saudi Education Cybersecurity: BIO-key and Maktabi Tech partnered to bring passwordless, biometric identity and access management to schools and universities across Saudi Arabia, aiming to secure student and staff access to learning systems. Qatar Student Debate: Qatar Foundation’s Academic Bridge Programme will host Harvard Model Congress Middle East 2027 at Education City, with early registration open until August 15. Kuwait Renewables for Learning Environments: Souq Sharq signed for an 8.77MW solar project, part of Kuwait’s push toward renewable power targets that can support future energy reliability for education and public services.

Schooling Under Fire: Kuwait ordered the closure of the only Iranian school in the country, suspending new admissions for the coming academic year and urging families to transfer children elsewhere, after repeated Iran–Gulf attacks. War’s Child Toll: A Middle East conflict impact piece warns that wars are pushing families into food poverty, disrupting access to education, and driving harmful coping like early marriage or child labour. Gaza Education at Risk: UNICEF says ceasefire conditions are failing children in Gaza, with families confined amid destroyed infrastructure and renewed calls for violence to stop, aid to reach people at scale, hospitals to reopen, and children to return to school safely. Student Mobility: UK charities urged the government to welcome Afghan students barred from education by the Taliban, arguing visas should be restored for high-achieving students. Qatar Education & Diplomacy: Qatar Foundation’s Academic Bridge Programme will host Harvard Model Congress Middle East 2027 (Jan 14–16, 2027), giving high school students a policy and leadership simulation experience. Healthcare Training: Kuwait launched a Mayo Clinic-linked training platform for healthcare professionals, aiming to transfer knowledge and improve service quality. AI Learning Push: Kazakhstan hosted the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence under UNESCO patronage, drawing 500+ students from 106 countries. Youth Jobs Pressure (Philippines): Fresh graduates in the Philippines faced tougher hiring as unemployment rose to 4.9% in June, driven by a surge in new entrants to the labour market.

Qatar Education: Qatar Foundation’s Academic Bridge Programme will host Harvard Model Congress Middle East 2027 at Education City (Jan 14–16, 2027), building on the 2026 Qatar edition and offering high school students immersive training in government, policy, and international relations. Afghan Students’ Access: UK visa restrictions have left high-achieving Afghan scholarship students unable to take up places, as the Taliban bans girls’ secondary education and higher education remains severely damaged. Gaza Schooling Disrupted: UN humanitarians say Israeli operations in Gaza are damaging shelters, restricting access to services, and complicating education support, with calls for timely entry of supplies. Kuwait Healthcare Training: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health launched a Mayo Clinic training platform for healthcare professionals starting Aug 18, aiming to transfer knowledge and introduce international best practices. Kuwait–Malta Education Links: Kuwait and Malta discussed expanding scholarships and academic cooperation, noting 154 Kuwaiti students enrolled in Maltese institutions, mainly in medical specialties. AI Education in the Region: Astana hosted the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence under UNESCO patronage, with students using Python/Jupyter and problem sets designed through preparatory tasks. Campus Safety & Hate: UK university antisemitism reports fell for a second year, though wider society incidents rose.

AI & Education Policy: The second Global Artificial Intelligence Forum for Sustainable Development Innovation Collaboration (GAIIF 2026) is set for Paris on Nov. 24–25, focusing on moving AI from lab breakthroughs to real-world education and other sectors, while tightening governance and trust. Student Safety & Mobility: Detentions of international scholars at airports have sparked fresh alarm, with a case involving a Johns Hopkins researcher highlighting how visa disputes can turn into traumatic delays for academics. Digital Government & Schools: Jordan says it is pushing digital public services toward full coverage, reporting 85.5% digitized services and noting that digital ID has enabled issuance of thousands of school certificates. Healthcare Training in the Gulf: Dubai welcomed The Pediatric Academy, a new institution linking pediatric dentistry and broader child health education for professionals and parents. Regional Education & Geopolitics: China and the Philippines are clashing over national security concerns tied to Chinese-linked education and cultural exchange programs. Aid Disruption Hitting Learning: Save the Children warns that blocked shipping routes around the Middle East are delaying humanitarian aid, leaving children cut off from healthcare, education, and protection. Campus Climate: UK university antisemitism reports fell for a second year, even as wider society saw more incidents.

Digital Government Push (Jordan): Jordan says it has digitized 85.5% of public services and aims to finish the rollout this year, expanding digital ID use and Sanad platform access, with more school certificates issued via digital channels. Education & Youth Safety (Malaysia): Malaysia’s higher education ministry says it will keep monitoring Malaysian students in West Asia and coordinate with the foreign ministry as security conditions evolve. Education, Trade & Skills (Kuwait): Aqua-Tots opens a new swim school location in Sabah Al Salem, Kuwait, expanding year-round water safety education across the Middle East. Campus & Policy Tensions (Philippines–China): The Philippines warns about Chinese state-linked influence in education exchanges, escalating a dispute that now includes academic cooperation and national security concerns. Health & Training (Nigeria): University of Ilorin medical alumni call for urgent healthcare reforms, linking weak medical education and system gaps to poor health outcomes. Governance & Rights (Pakistan-administered Kashmir): Unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir shifts from electricity and food prices to broader frustration with political participation and local governance under Islamabad. Legal Pressure (Palestinian Territories): U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor declines to pause a $655.5m judgment against the PA/PLO in a terrorism-related lawsuit, adding to the PA’s financial strain. Antisemitism & Schools (Canada): Toronto police link an SUV to attacks on Jewish-owned bakeries, amid criticism that antisemitism is treated as isolated rather than a wider pattern.

Student Safety & Mobility: Malaysia’s Higher Education Ministry says it’s closely monitoring the safety of Malaysian students in West Asia, coordinating with the Foreign Ministry as security conditions shift. Campus Policy & Rights: A U.S. Justice Department push targets a Maryland school district over alleged non-disclosure of students’ gender transitions, raising the stakes for parental access and federal education rules. Education Leadership & Training: Kuwait’s AIESEC holds a leadership conference that moves students into HR and other roles, highlighting youth development through structured training. Health Education for Children: SEHA CLINICS’ AREC26 conference spotlights prevention and early screening for child health issues like obesity and anemia, using a virtual learning model for regional professionals. Skills for Industry: Envalior launches an EV Centre of Excellence in Pune to train ITI and polytechnic students for electric mobility jobs, blending certificates with lab-based instruction. Research & Academic Appointments: The Zoryan Institute appoints Bedross Der Matossian as Director of Genocide Research, reinforcing Middle East-focused scholarship and education. Higher Ed Under Pressure: Reports describe universities adapting to U.S. scrutiny of foreign students and research funding, with Middle Eastern studies departments facing renewed review and political pressure. Learning Under Conflict: Gaza’s young doctors face a generation-wide freeze in training and care amid siege conditions, underscoring how conflict disrupts medical education.

Student safety in West Asia: Malaysia’s MOHE says it will keep closely monitoring Malaysian students in Egypt, Jordan and Morocco, coordinating with the Foreign Ministry as security conditions shift. Youth leadership in Kuwait: AIESEC in Kuwait held its Elevate conference (July 30–Aug 1), where students trained for leadership roles, including a new Vice President of Human Resources transition for an English Education student. Skills for electric mobility (India): Envalior will open an EV Centre of Excellence in Pune (Aug 5) to train about 250 ITI and polytechnic learners annually in EV service, safety, and diagnostics. University campus pressures (US): Coverage highlights how US universities are responding to Trump-era scrutiny of foreign students, research funding and campus bias, with Middle Eastern studies departments and antisemitism reviews in focus. Red Sea security & ports (Yemen/Japan): Japan’s ambassador says Tokyo may join a Saudi-led Red Sea initiative and is backing a project to rehabilitate Aden’s port facilities. Education protests in India: Arundhati Roy discusses how NEET exam-leak protests are mobilizing a new generation and pushing for accountability in India’s education system. Digital learning in Jordan: Orange Jordan Foundation celebrates Digital Schools winners in WikiChallenge 2026, noting tablet-based support for thousands of students. Higher-ed and security cooperation (Bangladesh): US Pacific Fleet Commander Steve Koehler’s Dhaka visit includes plans for professional military education and disaster-response training exchanges. Women’s rights under Taliban (Afghanistan): A reported Taliban wedding-day makeup and ring ban adds to ongoing restrictions on women’s autonomy, reigniting global debate.

Student Safety in West Asia: Malaysia’s Higher Education Ministry says it will keep monitoring Malaysian students in Egypt, Jordan and Morocco amid the Iran-related security situation, relying on Wisma Putra guidance after a US travel advisory urged citizens to leave the region. Digital Learning in Jordan: Orange Jordan Digital Schools students won recognition at WikiChallenge 2026, with the program equipping 10 public schools with tablet-based learning for 3,600+ pupils. Education Under Pressure in Gaza: A report highlights how Gaza’s young doctors face a frozen future as Israel’s siege blocks access to cancer treatment, while medical training and care continue under extreme constraints. Regional Conflict and Learning Communities: Coverage on Shengal (Sinjar) revisits how Yazidi youth and families were trapped and controlled after 2007 bombings, with ongoing calls for official status and recognition. Red Sea Security and Ports: Japan’s ambassador says Tokyo is considering joining Saudi’s Red Sea initiative and is backing rehabilitation of Aden’s port—key for trade routes that also affect education and mobility.

Digital Learning in Jordan: Orange Jordan Foundation celebrated three schools winning the WikiChallenge 2026 under its “Digital Schools” program with Queen Rania’s “Madrasati,” highlighting how tablets and digital devices are reaching 10 public schools and benefiting 3,600+ students from grades 1–6. Gaza’s Education Under Siege: A profile of Palestinian Tawjihi students shows how exams have become a survival milestone amid Israel’s blockade and attacks, with top results still shadowed by loss. Higher Education Mobility: UWC Dilijan students secured offers from major universities across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, underscoring how international pathways are opening for students in the region. Student Cities Watch: QS ranked Auckland among the world’s most internationally diverse student cities, a reminder that education hubs compete on affordability, university strength and student experience. Peace and Policy Talk: Commentary argues the Arab world’s biggest gap is “political supportability” for peace—suggesting classrooms and institutions matter as much as diplomacy.

Student Achievement Under Pressure (Gaza): Gaza’s top Tawjihi students are celebrating results while mourning the cost of Israel’s siege, with one science-stream topper dedicating her success to a father killed in an airstrike. Digital Learning in Jordan: Orange Foundation’s “Digital Schools” and the “Madrasati” initiative helped Jordanian students win recognition at WikiChallenge 2026, reaching thousands of primary and secondary learners with tablets and digital packages. Higher Education Pathways (Armenia/Region): A profile highlights how Armenian schools and community education networks in Ethiopia were reshaped by political upheaval, underscoring how schooling can survive—or be shuttered—during regime change. University Admissions Spotlight (UWC Dilijan): UWC Dilijan graduates secured offers across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, reflecting growing demand for globally minded education. Policy & Campus Climate: A debate on “political supportability” argues peace efforts must be built in classrooms and civil society, not only at negotiation tables.

Sustainability in Qatar: Qatar is framing sustainability as a core pillar of national development under Qatar National Vision 2030, citing strong recent Environmental Performance Index results tied to environmental health and ecosystem vitality. Student life and higher education: Auckland placed 26th in QS Best Student Cities 2027, highlighting student mix, desirability, affordability and student voice—while noting the wider push to expand international education. Gaza education under siege: Gaza’s Tawjihi exams have become a survival milestone for thousands of students, with top results shadowed by loss and disruption. Jordan’s digital learning push: Orange Foundation and “Madrasati” backed Jordan’s Digital Schools students, with three schools recognized for standout work in WikiChallenge 2026 after receiving tablets and digital learning packages. University leadership in Malaysia: Universiti Sains Malaysia appointed Prof Datin Dr Noor Hazlina Ahmad as deputy vice-chancellor for Academic and International Affairs, with experience spanning entrepreneurship and new graduate programs. UWC Dilijan admissions: UWC Dilijan graduates secured offers from major universities across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, reflecting strong academic outcomes and global pathways.

Higher-Education Leadership: Universiti Sains Malaysia appointed Prof Datin Dr Noor Hazlina Ahmad as deputy vice-chancellor for Academic and International Affairs, effective Aug 3, with a mandate to push academic excellence and internationalisation. University Admissions & Mobility: UWC Dilijan graduates secured offers from top universities across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, highlighting the school’s global pathways in engineering, medicine, policy and the humanities. Campus Governance & Staff Rights: Western Sydney University staff voted against new enterprise agreements that critics say deepen pay cuts and workloads, even as management reports high “yes” rates among voters. Education Policy & Data: California advanced a bill to treat “Jewish” as an ethnic category in education-related demographic data, aiming to move beyond religion-only classification. Digital Access for Learning: A report on Africa’s connectivity gap stresses that unaffordability—not lack of coverage—keeps most people offline, limiting access to education and services. Conflict & Education Impact: Ethiopia’s Amhara conflict drew calls for third-party mediated peace talks, warning that fighting continues to drive humanitarian and economic collapse.

Education Pathways: UWC Dilijan says its latest graduating class secured offers across top universities in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including Yale, Princeton, Oxford, UCL and NYU Abu Dhabi—spanning fields from engineering and medicine to policy and the humanities. Higher-Education Leadership: UH Mānoa appointed Denise Eby Konan as interim provost ahead of the fall semester, tasking her with overseeing the university’s academic enterprise while a permanent search begins. International Education Links: A report highlights growing India–Spain academic cooperation, including scholarships and university networking supported by bodies like ICCR and regional education partnerships. Education Under Pressure: India’s exam-leak protests and political fallout continue to draw attention to how education governance and public trust collide—prompting policy responses and leadership changes. Campus Funding Transparency: The US Department of Education plans to publish names of foreign donors to colleges and universities, raising concerns about privacy and potential chilling effects on international philanthropy. Capacity-Building in the Region: Willis College and Jordan’s Al-Hussein Technical University will train Jordanian Armed Forces personnel in defensive cybersecurity, aiming to build a self-sustaining local training hub.

University Leadership: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) appoints Prof Datin Dr Noor Hazlina Ahmad as deputy VC for Academic and International Affairs from Aug 3, highlighting new management and internationalisation initiatives. Education Policy in Pakistan: Sindh orders a six-day school week (Mon–Sat) from Aug 1, ending the latest summer break schedule. Higher Ed & Exams in India: Coverage of CJP protests links exam-leak anger to political pressure, with Parliament moving on anti-paper leak law amendments and the education minister’s resignation amid unrest. Arts & Education Rights: Australia’s anti-Semitism royal commission hears claims of antisemitism affecting opportunities in arts and education, with Creative Australia saying it can’t confirm whether Jewish artists were excluded. Cybersecurity Training in Jordan: Willis College and Al-Hussein Technical University partner to build a defensive cyber training pipeline for Jordan’s armed forces, aiming for a self-sustaining national hub. Gaza Health Access: A Gaza university professor reports cancer treatment blocked by medicine shortages tied to siege restrictions, underscoring how education and research are hit by healthcare collapse. Regional University Rankings: Turkey’s URAP results place 13 universities in the world’s top 1,000, led by Hacettepe University (585th). Cultural Education in the UAE: Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra UAE marks 11 years with events in coastal Karnataka, blending training and devotional performances.

Cybersecurity Training in Jordan: Willis College (Canada) and Al-Hussein Technical University will build a DND-funded cyber-defence training pipeline for the Jordanian Armed Forces, certifying local faculty to create a self-sustaining national hub. Education Policy in Pakistan: Sindh orders a six-day school week (Mon–Sat) from August 1 for public and private institutions, after summer closures tied to regional security concerns. Higher Education Rankings (Turkey): URAP’s 2025-26 list places 13 Turkish universities in the world’s top 1,000, led by Hacettepe (585th), with METU and others also ranking high. Gaza Health Access: A Gaza university professor says Israel’s siege restrictions have blocked cancer treatment, with essential medicines and supplies largely out of stock. Anti-Semitism Education Scrutiny (Australia): Australia’s antisemitism royal commission hears accounts of bullying in schools, and special envoy Jillian Segal is set to testify on curriculum and teacher guidance. STEM/Infrastructure for Learning (Malaysia): AirTrunk secures $2.325bn green financing for a Johor Bahru data centre, pairing efficiency goals with school water recycling and STEM education support. Classroom Innovation (US, education inspiration): A Georgia Southern alumnus uses hip hop as a “curriculum” approach to spark curiosity and learning. Regional Conflict Context: US strikes on Iran and renewed Middle East tensions continue to shape school and public life planning across the region.