2ND World Giftedness Center International Conference – 2023
The Biennial International Conference hosted by the World Giftedness Center is a significant event that emerges as one of the key outcomes of the World Giftedness Center (WGC). This conference, now gearing up for its second edition scheduled for October 2023, stands as a pivotal platform dedicated to advocating and disseminating international best practices within the realm of gifted education and talent development.
By creating a biennial rendezvous, the World Giftedness Center International Conference provides a recurring forum for experts, practitioners, researchers, and educators to convene, thus further nurturing a global network of minds committed to propelling the fields of gifted education and talent development.
The conference embraces the virtual realm, ensuring accessibility and participation from individuals across the world. The event’s focus remains steadfast in its commitment to amplifying international best practices within the sphere of gifted education and talent development. Through a dynamic and innovative blend of interactive virtual workshops and insightful webinars, the conference seeks to provide a fertile ground for the cross-pollination of ideas, the sharing of experiences, and the exploration of cutting-edge methodologies.
Conference Theme
The central theme of the World Giftedness Center Conference revolves around the idea of “Practice Meets Research – Latest Trends in Talent Development.” This theme underscores the crucial link between putting research into action and staying at the forefront of knowledge in the sphere of fostering gifted individuals. The emphasis here is on the importance of cooperation among professionals, educators, and researchers to translate theoretical insights into effective methods that bring advantages to gifted individuals. It also brings attention to contemporary progress and innovative approaches in talent development, encompassing fresh tactics, approaches, and technologies that stem from ongoing research and real-world know-how. The conference primarily focuses on talent development, honing in on the process of recognizing, nurturing, and optimizing the potential of those with exceptional abilities across various fields. In essence, this theme establishes the foundation for a conference that brings together specialists, practitioners, and researchers to delve into and exchange the latest advancements and practical uses in the continually evolving realm of giftedness and talent development.
Organizer
Initiated by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance was established in 1998, followed by the establishment of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences in 1999. The aim was to strengthen excellence in the educational and medical sectors, foster innovation, and support high-quality initiatives. These Awards were designed to identify, nurture, and encourage talent while advancing scientific research in these crucial fields.
Within a few years, the scope of services and partnerships of both Awards expanded from the local framework to regional and international levels, especially with prestigious international and regional organizations such as the UNESCO, ICESCO, ALECSO, Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, Fab Lab Organization, World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, International Research Association for Talent Development and Excellence, as well as reputable medical entities like specialized universities and international hospitals. This posed more challenges for the Awards that required an advanced administrative structure and additional resources.
In 2018, a law was issued to establish Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, giving the educational initiative its own institutional identity. In 2023, another law was issued to establish Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences. This law facilitated the transfer of the educational and medical initiative legacies into a single foundation that now possesses a rich portfolio of ongoing programs and projects, along with a solid springboard for further innovation aimed at enhancing governmental and societal efforts in highlighting the importance of the education and medical sectors. The foundation works towards spreading a culture of talent, innovation, excellence, and quality, contributing to the enhancement of quality and performance levels, and fostering creativity in educational and medical institutions at both local and international levels. This includes related elements and components in line with global best practices. Additionally, the foundation contributes to the establishment and support of innovation, talent, and scientific research centers and programs.