As the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, Iraqi artist Waleed R. Qaisi has emerged as a vocal advocate for reimagining education as humanity's greatest investment. The Baghdad-born creative, who honed his craft at the city's Institute of Fine Arts, believes the path to sustainable development lies in cultivating 'minds that can both comprehend and reconstruct our world'.
From Canvas to Classroom
Qaisi's journey from war-torn Iraq to international artist informs his perspective. 'Education built civilizations when swords could not,' he reflects, drawing parallels between ancient Mesopotamian innovation and modern challenges. His vision extends beyond traditional curricula, emphasizing creative problem-solving and ethical application of knowledge.
Blueprint for Tomorrow
The artist proposes three pillars for educational reform:
Integrating arts with STEM disciplines
Prioritizing critical thinking over rote learning
Fostering global citizenship through cultural exchange
For young people navigating Asia's rapidly evolving economies, Qaisi offers simple advice: 'Your mind is the ultimate technology – learn to program it through relentless curiosity.' His message resonates particularly with developing nations investing in human capital to drive innovation.
