29 September - 1 October 2026
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The Arena, Riyadh | Saudi Arabia.
Haif Bannayan
Director Europe, Middle East, Africa, Canada - International Baccalaureate
As the Director for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Canada at the International Baccalaureate (IB), Haif holds overall accountability for the growth and success of the IB community across this dynamic region. His strategic focus centers on expanding access, nurturing existing school networks, and forging high-impact partnerships.
This appointment follows a successful seven-year tenure as IB’s Director of Business Development, where Haif expanded the organization’s global footprint. During this time, he focused on widening program adoption in new and existing markets while managing vital relationships with advisory councils, Associations of IB World Schools, and teacher networks.
Prior to joining the IB, Haif served as CEO of the Queen Rania Teacher Academy, a premier institution for specialized teacher professional development and a strategic partner of the IB. His career also encompasses significant work in education reform and technology-driven education projects.
Haif holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Birmingham, an Executive Management Diploma from INSEAD, and a Certificate in Educational Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Speaker Sessions
Leaders in Education
1499
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التعلم بهدف: من الهوية إلى التأثير العالمي
Session Summary:
بينما تتنقل الأنظمة التعليمية في جميع أنحاء العالم عبر تعقيد متزايد وتغير سريع، لم يعد التحدي مجرد إعداد الشباب للمستقبل، بل تمكينهم من تشكيله بنشاط. في سياق التحول التعليمي في المملكة العربية السعودية، وطموحات رؤية 2030، والاعتماد المتزايد لبرامج البكالوريا الدولية (IB) في جميع أنحاء المملكة، تستكشف هذه الجلسة كيف يمكن لتصميم المناهج التطلعي أن يعزز وكالة المتعلم، والتفكير المنظومي، والتأثير الحقيقي مع البقاء راسخًا في الهوية الثقافية والقيم والتراث.
استنادًا إلى رؤى من تطوير برامج البكالوريا الدولية المستمر ومشروعها التجريبي للتحول المنظومي، ستفحص الجلسة كيف يمكن للتعلم أن يمتد إلى ما وراء الحدود التأديبية التقليدية لتزويد الطلاب بالعقليات والكفاءات المطلوبة لمعالجة القضايا العالمية المعقدة. سينظر المشاركون في كيفية نسج التفكير المنظومي، والتفكير المستقبلي، والقيادة التحويلية في التجارب التعليمية التي تغذي الإبداع، والمرونة، وإحساسًا قويًا بالهدف.
Speakers
Haif Bannayan
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Director Europe, Middle East, Africa, Canada - International Baccalaureate
Categories
AI and EdTech
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Learning with Purpose: From Identity to Global Impact
Session Summary:
As education systems worldwide navigate growing complexity and rapid change, the challenge is no longer simply preparing young people for the future but enabling them to actively shape it. Within the context of Saudi Arabia’s educational transformation, Vision 2030 ambitions, and the expanding adoption of International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes across the Kingdom, this session explores how forward-looking curriculum design can foster learner agency, systems thinking, and authentic impact while remaining firmly grounded in cultural identity, values, and heritage.
Drawing on insights from the IB’s ongoing programme development and its Systems Transformation pilot, the session will examine how learning can extend beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries to equip students with the mindsets and competencies required to address complex global issues. Participants will consider how systems thinking, futures thinking, and transformational leadership can be woven into educational experiences that nurture creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.
Speakers
Haif Bannayan
|
Director Europe, Middle East, Africa, Canada - International Baccalaureate
Categories
AI and EdTech
// GESS EDUCATION INSIGHTS
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