Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation For Education Welcomes New Chief Executive Officer

The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE) appoints Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar to the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Commenting on her appointment, His Excellency Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Board of Trustees said, “Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar’s commitment to inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning makes her an excellent addition to the AGFE team.”  He added that “Sonia has a track record of building strong relationships with governments, international agencies, multinational corporations, and community-based organizations to achieve strong outcomes for regional youth.”

Dr. Ben Jaafar’s experience in the education development sector for over 20 years has earned her an international reputation as a trusted and respected leader. Equally important, she shares the foundation’s passion for implementing innovative, high-impact solutions that equip Arab youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry the region towards a brighter future.

Dr. Ben Jaafar’s expertise focuses on promoting the use of rigorous evidence to gain insights into and collaborate for sustainable solutions into pressing education challenges. During her time as Managing Director of EduEval, she has cultivated partnerships in the region with governments, international agencies, not-for-profit organizations, community-based-organizations, and multinational corporations to promote evidence-based positive impacts on education at local, national and international levels.

Dr. Ben Jaafar is dedicated to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for youth. Her leadership roles working on major educational development projects promoting the attainment of SDG4 include engagement with the American Institute of Research, Ericsson, UNESCO, UNICEF, and War Child UK. She has experience contributing to educational development in Canada, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. She holds a Masters in Curriculum Studies, and a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Toronto, Canada. She has also contributed to knowledge in the field through several books, articles, and as a professor.

Commenting on her appointment, Dr. Ben Jaafar said: “It is an honor to be entrusted with the Foundation’s leadership. AGFE’s commitment to making a sustainable positive impact in the lives of Emirati and Arab youth for the benefit of the region is inspiring. Moreover, the vision of the Al Ghurair family to advocate for strategic philanthropy is significant in a time when we are facing global challenges to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning.”