ICESCO and Microsoft launch the “Digital Mindsets” series

January 24, 2026 / 2:30 PM

Sharjah 24: The Sharjah Regional Office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO), in collaboration with Microsoft, has launched a new knowledge series entitled “Digital Mindsets.” Targeting university students from various disciplines, the series aims to enhance their awareness of artificial intelligence and build a deep understanding of its applications and growing impact on education, work, and institutions.

Focusing on human and ethical dimensions of modern technologies

The initiative, implemented at the ICESCO headquarters in Sharjah, comes in response to the rapid transformations brought about by artificial intelligence across various sectors. It seeks to empower students to move beyond simply using digital tools and to develop a critical and responsible understanding of the role of humanity in the digital age, with a focus on the human and ethical dimensions of modern technologies. The “Digital Mindsets” series comprises three interconnected workshops. It begins with a session on “Decoding Artificial Intelligence,” which covers fundamental concepts, practical applications, and ethical frameworks. This is followed by a “Microsoft Copilot” workshop focusing on skills for intelligent interaction with AI tools and command formulation to enhance productivity. The series concludes with a session on “Agent AI,” which explores the future of work under intelligent systems and the transformation of human roles and responsibilities.

60 students from various universities

The workshops are being conducted in Arabic at the ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah, with the participation of 60 students from various universities, on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are required to bring their own devices for practical use.

Understanding the profound transformations brought about by AI

In this context, Salem Omar Salem, Director of the ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah, stated: “The Digital Mindsets series reflects ICESCO’s commitment to preparing a generation that is aware of and capable of understanding the profound transformations brought about by artificial intelligence, not only from a technical perspective but also from a cognitive, humanistic, and ethical standpoint. We believe that the true investment lies in building a mindset capable of critical thinking, decision-making, and conscious adaptation to the digital future.”

Salem Omar Salem confirmed that the collaboration with Microsoft reflects the importance of strategic partnerships with leading global technology institutions, contributing to the transfer of applied knowledge to students and linking it to practical realities and the job market.

Salem Omar Salem pointed out that this initiative reflects ICESCO's commitment to supporting youth and building their digital capabilities, enabling them to engage consciously and responsibly with modern technologies, thus contributing to preparing a generation capable of keeping pace with the future and actively participating in shaping it.