The University of Technology Bahrain (UTB) welcomed Dr Anasse Bouhlal, Higher Education and TVET Regional Programme Specialist from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, for a meeting following the university’s active participation in a pioneering international research initiative on lifelong learning. Jointly conducted by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), Institute for the Future of Education Europe (IFE Europe), and Shanghai Open University (SOU) from 2023 to 2025, the study explores the social, professional, and economic benefits of lifelong learning among older adults across diverse global contexts.

UTB was represented in the research initiative by Dr Anthonia Bamidele, Ms Zainab Tarada, and Mr Husain Abduljalil – esteemed faculty members from the university’s Centre for General Education.

During the meeting with Dr Anasse Bouhlal, the UTB leadership and Research Council outlined the university’s contributions to the project, reaffirming UTB’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, knowledge exchange, community engagement, and professional development among faculty, students, and the wider community. A key outcome of the discussion was the development of a new collaborative framework that aligns with UNESCO’s mandate to promote inclusive lifelong learning and UTB’s mission to advance social well-being and digital empowerment in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The collaboration reflects UTB’s dedication to advancing international academic partnerships, applied research and community engagement that addresses pressing global challenges. By engaging in research projects like this, UTB empowers faculty and students alike to contribute to evidence-based policy, promote educational innovation, and reinforce the university’s mission of lifelong learning.

Dr Haitham Alqahtani, UTB’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasised the value of such international collaborations in enhancing the university’s research profile, exposing faculty to global best practices, and translating research outcomes into practical benefits for learners across Bahrain. The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore future joint initiatives with UNESCO, strengthening UTB’s role in promoting inclusive, continuous education and reinforcing lifelong learning as a cornerstone of personal and societal development.

Through this engagement, UTB continues to demonstrate its commitment to national, regional, and international initiatives, ensuring that faculty, students and the broader community benefit from world-class research, global exposure, and innovative educational practices.

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