News highlights
The English Language Institute at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University launched the international conference titled “The Future of English Language Education: Empowering Ideas and Embracing Sustainability and Innovation” on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, with the participation of experts and specialists from within and outside the Kingdom. The conference was held at the University’s Conference and Convention Center. Held in its first edition under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, the conference aims to exchange and discuss the latest research and innovations in English language teaching and learning. It also explores the challenges and opportunities facing English language education in the twenty-first century, develops strategies to enhance sustainability and innovation in English language education, and strengthens collaboration and communication among specialists in the field. The conference program includes five keynote sessions addressing strategic topics in English language education, such as integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into English language teaching, language assessment research in the Kingdom, empowering and sustaining language education, the teacher as an agent of sustainability, and artificial intelligence in language teaching and learning. Through its three panel discussions, the conference addresses themes including “Empowering Ideas and Embracing Sustainability and Innovation in Language Education,” “Sustainable Practices in English Language Education: How Can Accreditation Drive Positive Change?” and “The Future of English Language Textbooks: Innovation and Learner Empowerment.” The conference also offers 11 specialized workshops delivered by experts and academics in English language teaching and linguistics. These workshops include topics such as digital assessment tools for designing and reviewing English language tests, empowering global citizens through integrating sustainability and intercultural competence in foreign language education, and “English with a Local Flavor,” which presents English language educators’ perspectives on linking English language learning to Saudi culture. The international conference, which attracts more than 300 visitors, features an accompanying exhibition with the participation of several universities, companies, and educational and technological institutions at both local and international levels. This provides opportunities for engagement with participating entities, experts, and specialists, exploration of the latest innovations and technologies, and the building of professional networks. The conference forms part of the English Language Institute’s role in supporting the objectives of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University’s Strategic Plan 2025, which aims to achieve excellence in teaching and learning, foster an innovation-supportive environment, and lead cognitive and societal impact through building bridges of communication with local and global communities.
