WISE On Air

128: Are We Raising AI To Save Us Or Destroy Us? 26.06.2026 31min

What does it take to raise an #AI that becomes a superhero for humanity, rather than its undoing? In this episode of #WISEOnAir, recorded live at #WISE12 in Doha, Anousheh Ansari, CEO of the XPRIZE Foundation and the first female private space explorer, joins host Elias to explore which human capacities will matter most as machines take on more of our work, and why the questions we're afraid to ask may be the ones that shape our future the most. In this episode: 00:00:20 – Welcome to WISE On Air 00:01:44 – What is XPRIZE and how does it shape innovation? 00:05:20 – How has seeing Earth from space changed your view of humanity? 00:08:40 – What is education's role in building a bigger-picture mindset? 00:10:40 – How do we avoid repeating social media's mistakes with AI? 00:14:28 – Do we have enough diversity at AI's design table? 00:18:58 – What does it mean to raise a superhero, not a supervillain? 00:21:37 – Is more computing power the wrong goal? 00:24:24 – Live poll: which skill will matter most in 10 years? 00:27:08 – What should education invest in for 2035? 00:30:11What gives you hope for the future?

127: Whose Knowledge Counts? Digital Neocolonialism in Education 11.06.2026 35min

Who decides what counts as #knowledge in the age of #edtech? In this episode of #WISEOnAir, Shahd Dauleh sits down with Dr. Taskeen Adam, whose research reveals how edtech platforms entering the Global South can carry hidden assumptions about language, pedagogy, and whose ways of knowing are legitimate. From the purpose of education itself to Big Tech's growing influence over how the world learns, this conversation asks what it takes to build platforms that liberate rather than colonize, and why some spaces of learning may be worth protecting from technology altogether. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:18 How does faith reshape what counts as true knowledge? 00:09:18 What do we believe education is really for? 00:12:22 The hidden assumptions inside edtech 00:18:08 Is AI the next wave of digital neocolonialism? 00:29:00 What can policymakers and educators do?

126: What Can Education Learn from Healthcare's Quality Revolution? 11.06.2026 28min

What Can Education Learn from Healthcare's Quality Revolution? In this episode of #WISEOnAir, host Dr. Sunoor Verma, cardiothoracic surgeon and Director of Partnerships & Advocacy at WISH, speaks with Lord Darzi, Executive Chair of WISH, surgeon, policymaker, and author of the landmark NHS review High Quality Care for All, about what education can learn from healthcare’s quality revolution—focusing on effectiveness, safety, and the student experience. Chapters 00:00:04 - Introduction to Lord Darzy & WISE Summit Experience 00:03:04 - The Imperative of Lifelong Learning in a Changing World 00:07:06 - Quality, Transparency, and Accountability Across Sectors 00:12:22 - Fostering Innovation and Overcoming Adoption Barriers 00:22:58 - Cross-Sectoral Collaboration and Inspiring Future Generations

125: Coding Dreams: Can Everyone Build the Future Now? 31.05.2026 24min

What happens when more people can build—not just consume—technology?In this episode of #WISEOnAir, Lady Mariéme Jamme, Founder of iamtheCODE, joins Selma Talha-Jebril, Director of Research and Policy at WISE, to explore the power of access in the digital age.From coding to creation, the conversation looks at how marginalized communities are gaining agency through technology—and what this shift means for equity, self-determination, and the future of innovation.

124: The Neurorecital: How Brain Waves Reveal the Act of Learning 04.05.2026 21min

What does learning actually look like inside the brain?In this episode of #WISEOnAir, Stavros Yiannouka, CEO of WISE, speaks with Nicolas Namoradze—classical pianist, composer, and neuropsychology researcher who premiered the world's first "Neurorecital" at Verbier Festival in 2025.Together, they explore what real-time brain imaging during musical performance can teach us about deep learning, practice, and what education might look like if it were designed around how the brain actually works.

123: The Learning Compass: How to Stay Human-Centered When Innovation Moves Fast 03.05.2026 29min

As technology advances, the values that guide it matter more than ever. In this episode of #WISEOnAir, former WISE CEO Stavros Yiannouka joins author Laila Lalami to explore questions of surveillance, agency, and what responsible #innovation in learning should protect.The conversation reflects on how digital systems shape trust, autonomy, and decision-making—and why human values must remain at the core as #technology evolves.

122: Are We Learning or Just Outsourcing Thinking? 11.02.2026 31min

In the latest #WISEOnAir episode, our Research and Policy Lead Sopiko Beriashvili is joined by World Bank Group Education Specialist Dr. Cristóbal Cobo to examine how #technology is reshaping cognition, #learning, and human capability. In the age of #AI, this conversation explores what it means to design #innovation that strengthens thinking rather than replaces it. 00:00 - Introduction: AI's Impact on Education 01:19 - The Nature of AI: Truth, Data, and Skepticism 04:08 - The Role of Intelligent Skepticism & Cognitive Offloading 07:04 - AI: Enhancing Human Thinking vs. Creating Dependency 11:21 - AI's Influence on Human Cognition, Language, and Emotion 16:09 - Case Study: AI Tutors in Low-Resource Settings 21:02 - Transparency and Redefining Cognition with AI 25:10 - Navigating the Digital Divide & Shaping Future Generations 28:50 - A Policy Framework for AI in Education

121: The Next Chapter: Where Does Education Innovation Go From Here? 29.01.2026 44min

The Next Chapter: Where Does Education Innovation Go From Here? | #WISEOnAir Podcast Former CEO Stavros Yiannouka sits down with CEO Dr. Asyia Kazmi, OBE for a forward-looking conversation on the future of education innovation. In this episode, they explore the questions shaping what comes next, from AI to impact and what truly matters to measure. ▶️ Watch and subscribe for more conversations from WISE On Air 00:00–01:34 – Arrival at WISE: Purpose and Context 01:35–03:01 – Education City: Vision and Ecosystems 03:02–05:12 – Early Teaching: Equity and Identity 05:13–07:55 – School Leadership: Outcomes Over Inputs 07:56–10:14 – UK Civil Service and DFID: Education and Development 10:15–13:54 – Global Policy Work: Pedagogy and Evidence 13:55–15:55 – Inspectorate Leadership: Data and Accountability 15:56–21:02 – Girls’ Education at Scale: Barriers and Impact 21:03–24:32 – Gates Foundation: Learning, EdTech, and AI 24:33–28:03 – Joining WISE: Leadership Transition 28:04–33:44 – WISE as a Global Movement 33:45–35:45 – Education in a Changing World 35:46–39:33 – The WISE Index: Rethinking Outcomes 39:34–41:24 – From Insight to Action: Why Outcomes Differ 41:25–44:01 – The Handover: Advice and Looking Ahead

120: Leading Education Innovation: Reflections from a Decade 11.12.2025 45min

Leading Education Innovation: Reflections from a Decade | #WISEOnAir Podcast As WISE enters a new chapter, CEO Dr. Asyia Kazmi, OBE, joins former CEO Stavros Yiannouka for an open conversation about the evolution of education innovation. From WISE’s beginnings in Qatar to its global influence today, they explore what it really takes to drive meaningful change — and what lessons leaders should carry forward. 🎧 Listen: https://pod.link/wiseonair ▶️ Watch & subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDPidX4eUx7ffHnpgqUh7_IJ8xb5tTTsx Chapters: 00:00 – 02:33 Introduction 02:35 – 07:17 Former CEO Stavros Yiannouka Journey 07:18 – 14:18 How WISE Became Influential — and Why Qatar Matters 14:18 – 23:18 Redefining What Education Means 23:18 – 34:39 Is This the Innovation We Should Take Seriously? 34:39 – 39:30 Who Decides What’s Acceptable in the Classroom? 39:30 – 44:00 What I Wish I Knew Then — and What I’d Do Differently 44:00 – 45:13 Gratitude and Final Thoughts

119: Rooted in Culture, Ready for Tomorrow: Community-Driven Education Innovation 18.10.2025 24min

Rooted in Culture, Ready for Tomorrow: Community-Driven Education Innovation | #WISEOnAir Podcast How can education systems honor cultural roots while preparing students for the future? In this episode, we feature WISE Prize finalists Fadia Hamdi (Queen Rania Foundation, Jordan) and Abdulhamid Haidar (Darsel, U.S.), who share how their initiatives blend tradition with innovation to build resilient learning communities. Chapters: 00:00–01:46 Introduction 01:46–02:46 Solutions Beyond the MVP: What Iqrali.jo and Darsel Offer with WISE Prize Support 02:47–04:37 Preserving Arabic Literacy and Heritage 04:38–05:45 Adapting Tools to Cultural Contexts 05:45–08:17 Why Emotional Connections Matter 08:18–10:47 Building Inclusive Educational Solutions 10:48–13:37 Engaging Communities in Design 13:38–16:12 Access for Refugee & Marginalized Communities 16:13–18:05 Lessons from Diverse Implementations 18:05–21:17 Incentivizing Parents and Students 21:17–end WISE Prize Support and Future Plans Listen to the full episode: https://pod.link/wiseonair

118: AI as a Creative Partner: Redefining Human Potential in Education 30.09.2025 24min

118: AI as a Creative Partner: Redefining Human Potential in Education by WISE Qatar Foundation

117: Learning Through Touch: How Sensory Education is Breaking Barriers 22.09.2025 22min

In this episode of WISE On Air, we explore how sensory education is breaking barriers and transforming literacy and numeracy for learners often left behind by traditional systems. We speak with two remarkable WISE Prize finalists who are pioneering innovative solutions for students with diverse needs and communities with limited access to education. From Qatar, Ramy Abdulzaher, Co-Founder and COO of @Bonocle, shares how Braille-based technology and gamified learning tools are improving Arabic literacy for visually impaired students. From Nigeria, Gideon Olanrewaju, Chief Executive Director of the Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (@AREAi), demonstrates how offline digital pens and multilingual resources are delivering literacy programs to refugee camps with no internet access. In this episode, we discuss: How Braille technology fosters inclusion and engagement for students with visual impairments The potential of Fast Track tools to transform literacy learning for underserved communities How Bonocle adapts its solutions to meet diverse needs across different regions and communities The role of the WISE Prize in helping scale and accelerate these impactful educational initiatives This conversation highlights how touch, sound, and human connection are redefining what literacy and learning mean in the twenty-first century and expanding opportunities for students who are often overlooked. About the Guests: Ramy Abdulzaher is the Co-Founder and COO of Bonocle in Qatar, developing Braille-based solutions to improve Arabic literacy for visually impaired students. Gideon Olanrewaju is the Chief Executive Director of AREAi in Nigeria, leading initiatives that bring literacy to refugee communities through offline and multilingual learning technologies. 🎧 Subscribe to WISE On Air: https://pod.link/wiseonair Learn more about WISE: https://www.wise-qatar.org Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:27 Introducing Ramy Abdulzaher & Gideon Olanrewaju 01:48 How Does Braille Technology Foster Inclusion in Education? 04:59 Can the Fast Track Tools Transform Literacy Learning? 12:05 How Bonocle Designs for Inclusion Across Communities 18:37 How WISE Prize Helped Fast Track 21:28 Appreciation and Farewell

116: Are 'Growth Markets' the Future of Global Prosperity? 27.08.2025 37min

Are ‘Growth Markets’ the Future of Global Prosperity? In Episode 116 of WISE On Air, Elyas Felfoul, WISE Director, sits down with Dina Sherif, Executive Director of the MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship, to explore why the world should rethink how we define prosperity. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:52 What is the Center? 03:04 Entrepreneurship Beyond Aid 04:43 Demographic Advantage in Growth Markets 09:31 Modernization Without Westernization 10:40 Are the Developing Markets Ready for 1.2 billion young people? 23:57 Uncertainty: The New Normal in the Global Economy 27:38 Innovation Ecosystems That Work 34:03 Advice for Entrepreneurs in Emerging Economies Watch now and join the conversation.

115: The Trilingual Student - Why AI Needs Humanity 23.08.2025 57min

Register for #WISE12 - Join us for the world's premier education innovation summit: https://wise-qatar.org/wise-12/ In this episode of WISE On Air, we explore the human side of #artificialintelligence with Professor Munther Dahleh, founding director of MIT's Institute for Data Systems and Society. As machines become increasingly capable, Munther argues that understanding people, not just #algorithms, will determine whether AI truly serves humanity. From his early work designing control systems for spacecraft to his current focus on societal applications of #AI, Munther shares insights on: - The "trilingual student" concept - why future innovators need technical skills, social science understanding, and domain expertise - Why he uses ChatGPT for reports but never for recommendation letters - The hidden dangers of "mediocre systems at scale" - How self-driving cars force us to confront moral decisions we never ask human drivers to make - Why he wishes he had studied more philosophy and anthropology - The future of healthcare, education, and work in an AI-driven world Munther challenges the notion that technological advancement alone will solve society's problems, emphasizing that the most critical breakthroughs may come from understanding human behavior, ethics, and social systems. About the Guest: Professor Munther Dahleh is a Professor at MIT and founding director of the Institute for Data Systems and Society. He is the author of "Data Systems and Society: Harnessing AI for Societal Good" and has spent over three decades working at the intersection of #technology and #society. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience with ChatGPT 00:22 Welcome to Wise On Air 00:30 Introducing Professor Munther Dahleh 02:02 The Journey to AI and Control Systems 04:13 From Machines to Social Networks 13:45 The Concept of Trilingual Students 15:28 AI's Impact on Society and Education 25:53 The Future of Jobs and Continuous Learning 29:10 Open Access and Vocational Education 30:31 Ethics and Data Privacy in AI 33:29 Self-Driving Cars and Moral Dilemmas 37:39 Global AI Collaboration and Geopolitics 42:36 AI's Role in Healthcare and Research 49:59 The Future of AI and Human Expertise 52:45 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Next Generation 🎧 Subscribe to WISE On Air: https://pod.link/wiseonair Learn more about WISE: https://www.wise-qatar.org

114: Can Ancient Farming Wisdom Solve our Modern Water Crisis? 30.07.2025 16min

Is Community Wisdom More Powerful Than a Degree? In this special conversation, Cameroonian environmentalist Farmer Tantoh explores how indigenous knowledge is not only relevant but vital to solving today’s water and sustainability challenges. Through stories of clean water access for tens of thousands and grassroots education, he reminds us that environmental learning can thrive outside the classroom. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:44 – The State of Water Conservation Today 02:37 – Are We Teaching Water Issues Effectively? 03:33 – Rethinking Environmental Education 04:56 – Reviving Tradition in Modern Communities 06:01 – What School Missed About Sustainability 07:34 – Teaching Water Wisdom to the Next Generation 10:02 – Passing Down Traditional Farming Knowledge 12:27 – Blending Ancestral Wisdom with Modern Science If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciate it. Website: wise-qatar.org X: https://x.com/WISE_Tweets Instagram: @wiseqatar Facebook: facebook.com/wiseqatar/

113: Are We Teaching to Build Sustainably? 24.07.2025 21min

What if the future of sustainable architecture lies in ancient techniques? In this episode of #WISEOnAir, Youness Ouazri, founder of @ecodomemaroc5918, shares how traditional Moroccan Earth-building is offering powerful solutions for modern architectural challenges. From engineering classrooms to rural communities, he reflects on the gaps in conventional education and the potential of ancestral wisdom, hands-on training, and local materials to create a more sustainable and inclusive future. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Engineering vs. Earth Building 04:34 Sustainability Lessons from Morocco 07:11 Ancient Wisdom, Modern Standards 10:26 Bridging the Skills Gap 11:37 First Impressions of Earth Domes 14:55 Winning Trust in Earth Construction 16:06 The Power of Hands-On Training 17:30 Rethinking Architecture Education 20:12 Evolving Education for Sustainability 🎓 About WISE On Air: #WISEOnAir is a podcast where we seek insights from the world's leading minds on the future of education and beyond. Brought to you by WISE, the global platform for education innovators. ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciate it. Website: wise-qatar.org X: twitter.com/WISE_Tweets YouTube: @WISEQatar Instagram: @wiseqatar Facebook: facebook.com/wiseqatar/ LinkedIn: bit.ly/2JKThYf

112: Can Human Creativity Survive the AI Revolution? 26.06.2025 20min

Can AI ever replace human creativity? This episode features Nada Elkharashi, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Electric Skin, as we dive into the evolving relationship between creativity, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. Nada shares powerful reflections on education, design, and how artists can thrive in the age of intelligent machines without losing their human touch. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:12 – AI's Impact on Creative Industries 04:07 – The Irreplaceable Core of Human Creativity 07:20 – Rethinking Design Education for the AI Era 10:58 – Sustainability Reimagined Through AI 13:50 – Teaching the Unteachable: Human-Only Creative Skills 17:23 – Hope for Human Creativity’s Future 🎓 About WISE On Air: WISE On Air is a podcast where we seek insights from the world's leading minds on the future of education and beyond. Brought to you by WISE, the global platform for education innovators. ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciate it. Website: wise-qatar.org Twitter: twitter.com/WISE_Tweets Youtube: @WISEQatar Instagram: @wiseqatar Facebook: facebook.com/wiseqatar/ Linkedin: bit.ly/2JKThYf

111: Where Do Values Fit in Tomorrow’s Education Models? - Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui 12.06.2025 40min

In this episode of WISE On Air, we sit down with Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui, Executive Director of Al-Mujadilah Center & Mosque for Women, to explore a bold, values-based approach to education. From reviving traditional knowledge to balancing critical thinking with community, this conversation reimagines what meaningful learning can look like. 🎓 About WISE On Air: WISE On Air is a podcast where we seek insights from the world's leading minds on the future of education and beyond. Brought to you by WISE, the global platform for education innovators. ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciate it. Website: wise-qatar.org Twitter: twitter.com/WISE_Tweets Youtube: @WISEQatar Instagram: @wiseqatar Facebook: facebook.com/wiseqatar/ Linkedin: bit.ly/2JKThYf

110: What We Already Know Can Save Us: Traditional Wisdom for a Sustainable Future - Grethel Aguilar 31.05.2025 37min

What if the answers to today’s climate crisis were rooted in centuries-old traditions? In this special edition of WISE On Air, recorded live from Earthna Summit 2025, we sit down with Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Director General of the IUCN, to explore the powerful role of indigenous knowledge in reimagining sustainability and education. From traditional ecological practices to the impact of social media and technology on youth learning. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of legacy, innovation, and the future of our planet.

109: Relational Intelligence: A New Metric for Success? - Isabelle Hau 22.05.2025 48min

In this episode of WISE On Air, Host & CEO of WISE, Stavros Yiannouka delves into the transformative power of relationships in education with Isabelle Hau, author of "Love to Learn" and Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning. As educational systems worldwide continue to prioritize test scores and academic achievement, Hau presents compelling evidence that early loving relationships might be the true foundation of learning and thriving. Isabelle shares insights on: -How relationships physically shape brain development and learning capacity -The growing "relational crisis" affecting children's development and what's driving it -Where technology and AI fit within relationship-centered learning -Practical approaches to prioritize connection in schools, homes and communities Whether you're an educator, parent, or policymaker, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what truly matters in learning. Join us as we explore the science behind human connection and consider how "relational intelligence" might become a new metric for success in education. Purchase Isabelle's book, 'Love to Learn': https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/isabelle-c-hau/love-to-learn/9781541703773/ Resources mentioned in the discussion: Pretend play research (Sansanwal, 2014): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266081256_Sansanwal_S_2014_Pretend_play_enhances_creativity_and_imagination_Journal_of_Arts_and_Humanities_31_70-83 2024 Phone usage study: https://itc.ua/en/news/study-people-checked-their-phones-an-average-of-205-times-a-day-in-2024-every-5-minutes-excluding-sleep/ Childhood neglect impact on brain development: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/06/neglect Early life adversity and neural development: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-04894-001?doi=1 Neural synchrony between students and teachers: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.abq4786 ------ If you enjoyed this episode, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It really helps out the show and we would greatly appreciate it. Website: wise-qatar.org Twitter: twitter.com/WISE_Tweets Instagram: @wiseqatar Facebook: facebook.com/wiseqatar/ Linkedin: bit.ly/2JKThYf