A graduate of Al-Quds Open University (QOU), Mr. Ezz Al-Din Qasem, a teacher at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, has won first place globally in the Teaching in the 21st Century, international competition organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with NetDragon Institute in China and Peking University.

Qasem represented Palestine at the Global Smart Education Conference (GSM 2025) held in Beijing, China, which gathered a distinguished group of academics, policymakers, and educational technology experts from around the world.

His participation was based on a scientific research project and applied innovation titled “Inclusive Smart Education” an educational application that employs artificial intelligence technologies and screen readers to facilitate the learning process, with a strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility for all.

Qasem stated “For me, this achievement is not merely a personal honor, but a message of hope that creativity can emerge from anywhere even under the most challenging circumstances we face in Palestine. It is an opportunity to raise my country’s name high and showcase the capabilities of Palestinian youth on the global stage.” He highlighted that his studies at Al-Quds Open University marked a turning point in his journey, providing a flexible learning environment that supported both his academic and professional development, while enabling him to balance studies with his personal projects.

Qasem added: “The spirit of creativity I acquired during my studies, together with my involvement in volunteer and community activities, strengthened my capacity for innovation. Moreover, the continuous support of my parents, along with the experiences of my elder siblings as QOU students and graduates now working as teachers, gave me further motivation to continue my path.”