The Forum will debate the pressing need to educate students in how to become active global citizens as the world becomes ever more interconnected through trade, technology and the challenge of global warming, providing an opportunity to showcase UNESCO’s leadership on global citizenship education.

Ms Bokova will participate in sessions on delivering education in emergencies organized with Plan International, Dubai Cares and the World Food Programme; in a parliamentary style debate on a possible relationship between education and the rise of populism with former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, CAMFED’s Chief Executive Officer Lucy Lake and Colombia’s Vice Minister of Education Luis Garcia; and in the first meeting of the Atlantis Group, which brings together former Ministers of Education and interested former Heads of State to help address ongoing challenges in global education. She will attend the Global Teacher Prize ceremony, which awards USD 1 million to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession.

UNESCO is an institutional partner of this Forum, which brings together leaders from the public, private and social sectors seeking solutions to achieving education, equity and employment for all. The Forum was founded by Mr Sunny Varkey, Chairman of the Varkey Foundation and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education Partnerships.

During her stay, she is expected to meet with Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry of the United Arab Emirates.