DOHA, Qatar – The 2014 WISE Summit which was held in Doha was formally closed  by Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, chairman of WISE, following three days of sharing, debating and networking.

Under the theme “Imagine – Create – Learn: Creativity at the Heart of Education”, WISE 2014 gathered more than 1,600 prominent leaders from education, corporate, political and social sectors from over 100 countries. In his closing address, Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani said that for over six years, WISE has facilitated collaboration in increasing access, quality and relevance at all levels of education around the world.

“This year’s summit highlighted the role of creativity in finding and implementing solutions. I am confident that the framework created by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, combined with the natural capacity for innovation of the many thousands of members of the WISE community, will continue to have a major impact upon individuals and societies.”

Before the plenary closing session, Ann Cotton gave her first special address as the 2014 WISE Prize for Education Laureate, in which she stated: “Education is the right of every child. It is fundamental to their development and their welfare. We have been gathered at the WISE Summit because every one of us knows and believes this. We have been here to learn and to imagine what is possible, and to unite to create a world that gives every child an extended, quality education.”

“The WISE Prize, which I am honoured to have received, will help Camfed to transform the future of millions of girls in a way that today they cannot begin to imagine.” The 2014 WISE Summit also saw the launch of the application period for the 2015 WISE Awards, which identify and promote education excellence by recognizing projects that are addressing key education challenges, and are having strong positive impact on individuals and in communities globally.

Applications are invited until January 15, 2015.