Global Leaders Advancing Intercultural Education and AI-Enhanced Learning, 2026
In a time when education is rapidly evolving under the influence of digital transformation and global connectivity, the need for educators who can thoughtfully balance innovation with human values has never been more critical. Najwa Saba ‘Ayon Fares stands as a compelling example of this balance, bringing together academic depth, intercultural insight, and a principled approach to the integration of artificial intelligence in learning environments.
On Cover
Najwa Saba ‘Ayon Fares
Professor & Academic Coordinator | EFL and Intercultural Communication Specialist Rafik Hariri University, Lebanon | EdD, University of Sussex | UNESCO Story Circle Trainer
Before she stood in front of university students in Lebanon, before she earned her Doctorate in Education from the University of Sussex, before she became a professor, curriculum reformer, UNESCO Story Circle trainer, and advocate for ethical AI integration in higher education, Najwa Saba ‘AyonFares was lining up her dolls and teaching them English. She would explain vocabulary, correct imaginary errors, and picture herself in front of a classroom.
Rania Abdelfattah Obeid
STEM Director, Educational Consultant & Research Scholar
In a world where education systems struggle to keep pace with technological advancement and societal needs, Rania Abdelfattah Obeid stands as a beacon of transformative change. Her journey from a curious educator to a globally recognized STEM advocate represents more than professional growth; it embodies a mission to revolutionize how we prepare students for a future that demands both technical proficiency and purposeful innovation.
Faria Arsh
CEO & Founder, Autism Foundation C.I.C.
In the landscape of autism care and education, where systemic gaps often leave families stranded and vulnerable individuals underserved, one woman has emerged as a transformative force by refusing to accept the status quo. Faria Arsh stands at the intersection of profound personal experience and exceptional professional expertise, channeling the challenges of raising a daughter with severe autism into a movement that is reshaping how society supports its most vulnerable members.
