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Ann-Marie Simmonds, Rabdan Academy, United Arab EmiratesAbstract
The United Nations defines economic diversification as “the process of shifting an economy away from a single income source toward multiple sources from a growing range of sectors and markets.” This presentation focuses on the small Caribbean island of Antigua comprised of six parishes, and the United Arab Emirates, composed of seven emirates. Having been born and raised in Antigua and having lived in the UAE for the past decade, I have observed how these resource-dependent countries leverage education as means of participation in broader skills development.
Drawing on the language in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the Maritime Economy Plan: Antigua and Barbuda, I examine how rhetoric is used to frame education as central to economic diversification and sustainable development. Whether as a tool for “empowering communities” and inspiring national pride or as a component of national identity, education is presented as indispensable in both countries’ policies.
This analysis highlights how language not only reflects but also shapes national priorities, specifically considering each country’s goal to diversify their economies and align with future labour markets. These insights offer valuable implications for educators, particularly in aligning curricula with evolving labour markets and contributing to broader development goals.
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