This week, Khalifa University hosted the fifth edition of the Counselors Forum, an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The event, of great importance, gathered more than 300 Career and University Guidance Counselors from diverse educational sectors, including private, charter, and public schools.
The forum was attended by representatives from 16 embassies, 10 industry leaders, 28 universities and higher education institutions, along with various government and private entities. The cooperation was intended to improve the skills of Career and University Guidance Counselors in Abu Dhabi by equipping them with the most recent tools, trends, and strategies to help students identify their career aspirations and educational options.
The forum's agenda closely followed ADEK's Career and University Guidance Policy, which took effect in 2022. The policy stresses the necessity of regular, high-quality, and inclusive guidance for all students in Abu Dhabi. The counselors undertook activities that captured the policy objectives, such as peer mentoring, investigating university routes, and interacting with neighborhood stakeholders.
Conversations involved a variety of topics, from supporting students who have varying learning needs to scholarships from the government and admissions patterns. Important discussion points were appointing skilled Career and University Guidance Counselors well in advance in grade 8/year 9, developing a sense of involvement among parents, establishing good links with universities and employers, and encouraging counselors' continuous professional growth.
In an effort to further these vital alliances, the forum had among its speakers leading organizations such as the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, ADNOC, ADIA, College Board, British Council, Immerse Education, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). These players were pivotal in the 2025 event, reflecting the collaborative agenda to push forward the educational horizon in Abu Dhabi.
The Counselors Forum 2025 was more than a professional conference; it represented ADEK's Career and University Guidance Policy. It is leading the way to a future where each student is given the power to realize their potential.
Through collective participation by educators, counselors, and organizations, the forum underscored the need to empower students with the information and skills required to successfully discover their career ambitions and educational paths. The forum highlighted a collective focus on having students receive the support and guidance necessary to advance confidently in their futures.
