At the recent AI & the Future of Work Forum, held on October 9, 2025, thought leaders from across government, academia, and industry came together to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming employment, education, and skills development in the UAE and across the MENA region.
One of the panels was on the “Brave New World: AI, Higher Education, and the Future of Work” panel, where Kelly Forbes, President and Executive Director of AI Asia Pacific Institute, shared critical insights on responsible AI adoption and its role in preparing future-ready workforces. Drawing on her extensive experience in advancing ethical and inclusive AI governance, Kelly emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between higher education and rapidly evolving industry needs.

She joined an exceptional lineup of stakeholders, including representatives from University of Sharjah, World Economic Forum, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. Together, they explored how AI can be harnessed to enhance learning outcomes, foster innovation, and empower the next generation of leaders in an AI-driven economy
AI Asia Pacific Institute looks forward to building on this momentum, working closely with partners across the education and technology ecosystems to shape inclusive, forward-looking strategies that ensure AI benefits everyone.
