The Istanbul Summit, held in 2018, marked a pivotal moment in the establishment of the World Islamic Summit on Education (WISE). This inaugural summit brought together educators, researchers, and representatives from various Islamic schools and institutions to form a collaborative network aimed at enhancing Islamic education globally.
Key Highlights of the Istanbul 2019 Summit
- Formation of WISE: The summit served as the foundational event where participants collectively decided to create WISE. This decision was driven by a shared vision of uniting Islamic schools and fostering cooperation among them to address common challenges in education.
- Annual Gathering: Attendees agreed to convene annually, establishing a tradition of collaboration and continuous dialogue. This annual gathering aims to strengthen ties among schools, share best practices, and develop joint initiatives that enhance the quality of Islamic education.
- Focus on Collaboration: The summit emphasized the importance of collaboration across diverse educational contexts. Participants discussed strategies for sharing resources, developing curricula, and improving teacher training, all while respecting the unique cultural and educational needs of different communities.
- Addressing Challenges: The summit provided a platform for discussing pressing issues facing Islamic education today, such as resource shortages, teacher training deficits, and external threats like extremism and Islamophobia. By bringing together diverse perspectives, WISE aims to create comprehensive solutions that can be adapted across various contexts.
- Commitment to Inclusivity: WISE is committed to inclusivity, welcoming schools from different Islamic traditions. This diversity enriches discussions and promotes mutual understanding among educators from various backgrounds.
The Istanbul Summit laid the groundwork for WISE’s ongoing mission to empower Muslim educators and enhance the educational experiences of students worldwide. Through its annual meetings and collaborative initiatives, WISE continues to strive for excellence in Islamic education, nurturing future generations of informed and engaged Muslim leaders.