I studied for my Masters at SIUE, USA. I purposefully connected with educators on social media outside my echo chamber. More recently, like many UK teachers I suspect, I have keep an eye on the development of international education (recruitment opportunities and losses). Specifically international education leadership. It is not difficult to broaden your horizons – subscribed to a international education podcasts, an news feed and check-in on an international education hashtag. Horizons broadened.
Two weeks ago I bookmarked ‘Dubai ruler reveals his eight guiding principles’ not from an educational perspective but from a leadership perspective, for it’s vision and purpose was in stark contrast to our Brexit cacophony. Take from it what you will – leadership, education, internationalism, it communicated self-awareness and restraint and inferred a social and moral about “future generations,” that all educators would ideally want to hear from their leaders.
These are the eight defining principles upon which Dubai was founded and has been governed over the years; principles that I endorse as the Ruler of Dubai. I call on all those in a position of responsibility in the Emirate of Dubai to abide by these principles, and direct them to devise mechanisms to ensure the implementation of these principles at all events.
Regrettably, I fail to see our country’s leadership showing the same self-awareness and restraint. We may speak of our Country’s personality, of a “welcoming Britain,” would we be so courageous as to define it?
Our society is a respectful and coherent one, bound by tolerance and openness. It distances itself from all forms of discrimination and bias. It is a disciplined society, committed to its promises, timelines and covenants. We are modest about our successes, perseverant in dealing with challenges, charitable and generous in achieving the greater good, and open to everyone.
As for our future generations. I am unclear, as to my responsibility to our future generations, even as an educator. And yet again, there is clarity of ambition from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
8. We care about future generations
The destiny of our future generations must not be affected by the fluctuations of regional politics and global economic cycles. We invest and create valuable assets for them. Our fundamental rule in this regard is that the government should, under all circumstances, own economic assets that are worth at least 20 times the value of its annual budget. We work towards maintaining a secure future, and we are focused today on ensuring the prosperity of our future generations.
As an example of leadership communication, I found it compelling.