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ABU DHABI / GULF TIME
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) successfully concluded the fifth Counselors Forum 2025, which took place at Khalifa University on April 30, 2025. The event welcomed over 300 Career and University Guidance Counselors across private, charter and public schools, as well as representatives from 16 embassies, 10 leading industry experts, 28 universities and educational institutions, and several government and private entities, as well as private schools – all to advance Career and University (CU) Guidance Counselors across Abu Dhabi, equipping them with the latest resources, trends, and strategies to effectively support students on exploring career interests and post-secondary pathways.
Driven by a common goal, the Forum brought to life the vision behind ADEK’s Career and University Guidance Policy which has been in effect since 2022 and is designed to ensure every student in Abu Dhabi has access to consistent, high-quality, and inclusive guidance. As counselors engaged in peer mentoring, explored university pathways, and connected with local stakeholders, they were actively living the policy’s goals. From discussions on empowering students with diverse learning needs including Students of Determination, to learning about government scholarships and admissions trends, the forum echoed the policy’s call for schools to appoint qualified CU Guidance Counselors as early as grade 8/year 9, actively engage with parents and build strong partnerships with universities and employers, as well as committing to continuous professional development.
To foster these partnerships, the Forum brought together representatives from key partners entities such as Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, ADNOC, ADIA, College Board, British Council, and Immerse Education, and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), were among the organizations who participated during the 2025 edition of the event.
The forum wasn’t just a professional gathering — it was a meaningful reflection of the policy in action, shaping a future where every student is supported to reach their full potential.