Finnish Model Committee of “Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Forum” Explores Means to Transform Jordan into a Knowledge Society
30-Mar-2017
Special to TAG Educa News Agency
AMMAN - The Finnish Model Committee (FMC), a committee of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Forum (TAGKF), convened to further examine and build on the Finnish model to transform the Jordanian society into a knowledge-based society.
During their recent meeting held at the Forum headquarters, FMC members focused on studying the current situation in Jordan, mainly the strengths and weaknesses compared to the Finnish model. The attendees also tackled means to encounter various challenges and transform the Jordanian society to become a knowledge-based society with a national GDP reaching $200 billion per annum.
Head of the Committee, Mr. Shaalan Akef Majali/ Ministry of Education, emphasized the significance of the Committee, given that Finland did achieve high levels of GDP along with an advanced economy being transformed into a knowledge society. This confirms with HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh’s vision on the importance of the transformation into a knowledge society.
FMC members explained that the action plan will explore all the possibilities and capacities to arrive at the stage of developing a model overtaking the Finnish model. The ultimate future goal is to create the "Jordanian Model" for the unique resources, factors and intellects among other factors that enable Jordan to even surpass Finland.
During the meeting, all members underscored the importance of the rule of law and the fact that it should be fully applicable to all segments of society.
In the same context, FMC members emphasized the need to focus on the Finnish experience in education since education is the basis for the progress and prosperity of the nation.
They added that culture has a direct impact on accepting change and reform, therefore, the culture of the Jordanian society has to be taken into consideration when developing FMC recommendations and proposals.
Furthermore, participants emphasized the importance of digital education as it is the means supporting the optimization of the educational process transforming it from indoctrination to the level of creativity, interaction and skills development.
As for the competitive advantages tackled by the participants, it includes a stable political climate, decent foreign relations, strategic location, element of human trainer and learner and global trade agreements.