Gems Education, which has a global network of international schools, has officially become a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) through its membership of WEF’s Community of Global Growth Companies (GGC).

It is the only K-12 private education company in the Middle East to have the distinction of WEF membership and one of only a handful of education companies in the world to join the Forum, said a Gems Education statement. 

Jeremy Jurgens, senior director of Global Growth Companies, WEF, said, "The forum is delighted to have Gems Education as a member of our Community of Global Growth Companies - among the most dynamic growing companies in the world."

"As an innovator in the field of education they have proven how the private sector can raise standards and contribute to society as a whole. Given their leading role in K-12 education, we believe that they will make a valuable contribution to the community," he remarked.

Gems Education chairman Sunny Varkey said this announcement was another landmark step for the group. "Our membership of the World Economic Forum’s Global Growth Companies is an acknowledgment of our position as a global thought leader within the education sector."

“This forum provides us with the opportunity to promote key issues such as; encouraging governments to support the long-term investment and commitment in education by the private sector; to end the traditional divisions between public-private sector and to create an environment where we work with governments and global partners to design and build a better, joint solution for global education,” he added.

Members of the Community of Global Growth Companies are identified by the Forum as having the potential to be tomorrow’s industry leaders and to become a driving force of economic and social change.

Criteria for selection include a company’s capacity and intent to build a global business, and its exemplary executive leadership.-TradeArabia News Service