25 Sep 2025
Aspire Academy, a global leader in education development and innovation, successfully organised and hosted the fourth edition of its ‘Aspire For Education’ conference. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Well-being in Education’ as it brought together participants from Qatar, the Gulf region, and internationally, reaffirming its role as a leading platform shaping the future of education.
The two-day event featured keynote speeches from distinguished figures in education, including Her Excellency Sheikha Dr. Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson and Founder of Well-being and Career Development. There were also interactive panel discussions on current challenges, as well as practical workshops focused on integrating psychological and social well-being concepts into educational curricula and environments.
Diverse Participants and In-Depth Discussions
The conference opened with remarks from Mr. Jassem Al Jaber, Chairman of the ‘Aspire For Education’ Conference. Among those he addressed were Qatar’s Former Minister of Energy and Industry, Mr. Mohamed Alsada, Mr. Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy and Mr. Khaled Al Mawlawi
Acting Director General of Aspetar.
Mr Jassem Al Jaber stated: “This conference seeks to establish holistic and educational values that restore the true essence of education. Education is more than just transferring knowledge or developing skills; it is about nurturing the mind and body while strengthening the soul and spirit within the individual."
"Aspire Academy has long affirmed that prioritising well-being in education. Addressing the psychological, physical, and social needs of student-athletes and educators is crucial for achieving a balanced approach. They also maintain a quality education and instil core values that prepare our children to face the challenges ahead.”
One of the highlights of the first day was a keynote speech by H.E. Sheikha Dr. Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, titled “Beyond Balance: Redefining Well-being in Education.”
She remarked,” A holistic and integrative perspective on well-being and nurturing the human being extends beyond the individual’s inner self to include the entire world and all its diverse entities. These elements exist in continuous interaction, influencing and being influenced by one another in a dynamic exchange. Health, wellness, and healing are collective processes shaped by the combined contributions of various universal forces, both directly and indirectly.”
Aspire Academy honored her with a shield of appreciation, presented by Mr. Ali Salem Afifa, Deputy Director General at Aspire Academy.
Also talking on the first day was Leo Thompson, founder of Edsplorer, who highlighted that learning is not the highest priority for humans. Other factors, such as survival and emotions, take precedence. Therefore, if those needs are met, then learning will occur more easily and quickly.
He added: “A lot of people look up to Aspire, and it has the ability to bring people together, so it is an ideal place for a very important conversation around wellbeing. Uh, which is often forgotten in education or seen as a ‘nice to have’, and I think the message here is this is not a luxury, this is an essential for human beings.”
Day one also included a panel discussion, moderated by Dr Ali Fawaz, Education Expert at Aspire Academy, which focused on physical health and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
Sports Experts Offer New Perspectives
One of day two’s keynote addresses came from former international and English Premier League referee Matt Messias, who began his career as a teacher and now runs his own company, Matt Messias Impact Leadership. His talk “Leading ourselves before leading others” emphasised that personal growth lays the groundwork for effective leadership and education. “If we focus on ourselves first, we can then focus on one-on-one leadership. Some of the greatest things in life start with baby steps. Change one small thing today to improve your well-being, because small changes can lead to big success.”
Professor Valter Di Salvo, Director of Football Performance & Science at Aspire Academy and the Qatar Football Association, offered a sporting view on the importance of well-being in education. His talk, “Well-being as a Winning Strategy: Lessons from Elite Football Performance & Science,” drew on his extensive experience in elite football, including working with seven Ballon d’Or winners over the years and at major clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid. He offered his insights on how promoting both physical fitness and mental well-being helps with the ability to learn and develop.
Mr. Jameel Al-Shammari, General Director of Qatar Leadership Academy, also addressed the delegates, emphasising how diversity, inclusion, and the development of positive relationships can transform both learning and working spaces into more creative, collaborative, and successful communities.
“Our goal is for our school communities to be a home in which every individual feels a sense of belonging and respect. Integrating social well-being into education is fundamental to a holistic and productive learning experience.”
In addition to the speeches, the delegates participated in panel discussions featuring a diverse range of topics. One dialogue featured Matt Messias; Mehdi Benchaaban, Executive Director of Qatar Foundation Schools; Dr. Mohamed Mostafa, Educational Expert and Trainer at AETCGS and Adjunct Professor at Lusail University; and Dr. Mohammed Al Anzi, Senior Student Counsellor at Aspire Academy Social Affairs, on the theme of “Well-being and Belonging: Toward an Inclusive and Sustainable Educational Environment.” They explored the link between educator well-being and student success, addressing key challenges such as fostering a sense of belonging, combating bullying, and building inclusive and supportive school communities.
A Platform for Future Collaboration
Delegates praised the conference for highlighting new and innovative ways to integrate well-being into education, benefiting all involved. Aspire Academy’s organisation of the fourth ‘Aspire For Education’ conference has reinforced its role as a hub for collaboration and innovation in education. The gathering continued to lay the groundwork for long-term initiatives, joint programs, and professional partnerships. Above all, it reaffirms Aspire Academy’s commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable learning environments that prioritise the well-being of students and educators alike.