Al-Quds Bard College (AQB) at Al-Quds University proudly highlighted the participation of Jonathan Becker, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bard College, and Alaa Ahbari, an Education Above All (EAA) scholar and Human Rights & International Law student, at the 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12), held on November 24–25.

Alaa played a leading role at the global event, serving as moderator of a key session organized by the Al Fakhoora and PEIC Programmes of the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Oxford and Bard College.

The session opened Day One of EAA’s WISE 12 program with a compelling and timely discussion on how young people affected by war, conflict, and displacement are using education to reclaim agency, preserve identity, and rebuild their communities. The conversation reinforced EAA’s commitment to expanding higher education opportunities, strengthening psychosocial resilience, and supporting youth-led advocacy in crisis-affected regions.

Alaa expertly guided a distinguished panel that included:

Jonathan Becker, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Bard College

Dr. Christos Kypraios, Lead, Oxford Crisis Education Programme, University of Oxford

Luisa Romero, Colombian peacebuilder with extensive experience in youth-led conflict transformation

His moderation ensured that the dialogue remained rooted in the lived realities of young people while showcasing the transformative power of education in restoring dignity and opportunity during times of instability.

Reflecting on his participation, Alaa said:

“Moderating this session gave me the chance to highlight the experiences of young people living through conflict—not just as survivors but as active leaders in their communities. I was proud to represent Al-Quds Bard and the Al Fakhoora community on an international stage.”

Alaa’s presence at WISE 12 demonstrates the expanding role of AQB students in international forums and underscores the strong partnership between AQB, Bard College, and Education Above All. His contribution exemplifies AQB’s mission to cultivate students who think critically, engage responsibly, and use their education to address challenges facing their communities and the world.