September 3, 2026 By Ambassador (ret) Greta C. Holtz, President and CEO, Amideast
Seventy-five years ago, Amideast was founded on a simple but enduring belief: education creates opportunity, strengthens understanding between people, and builds long-lasting ties between nations. That belief continues to guide our work every day.
Across the Middle East and North Africa, news headlines often focus on conflict, uncertainty, and rapid change. Yet behind those headlines is another story—one that receives far less attention but gives me great hope.
Every day, teachers step into classrooms ready to inspire the next generation. Students dedicate themselves to learning English, preparing for exams, or developing new skills that will open doors to higher education and meaningful careers. Advisors help young people navigate opportunities that can transform their futures. Across our network, Amideast staff continue to serve learners, educators, institutions, and partners with the same commitment that has defined our organization for 75 years.
Education has always been an investment in the future. Even during periods of uncertainty, families prioritize learning because they understand that knowledge, skills, and opportunity remain among the most powerful tools for securing meaningful employment and for building stronger communities and brighter futures. We are privileged to support that commitment across the region through our work every day.
Today's learners are also preparing for a world that is changing in new ways. Artificial intelligence is reshaping how people learn, communicate, and work across nearly every profession. While new technologies continue to evolve, one lesson is becoming increasingly clear: technology does not diminish the importance of strong communication skills, it makes them even more valuable.
A recent report from our longtime partner Educational Testing Service found that employers around the world continue to place a high value on English proficiency, even as AI becomes more integrated into the workplace. Organizations recognize that employees with strong English skills are better equipped to collaborate across borders, contribute to organizational growth, and make the most of AI-powered tools. Rather than replacing the need for English, AI is reinforcing the importance of people who can communicate clearly, think critically, and adapt to new technologies.
Every student who walks into an English classroom, every teacher embracing new approaches to facilitate learning, every professional earning a credential, and every young person pursuing new opportunities serve as a reminder that education remains a critical investment in human capital and sustainable development.
That is why Amideast continues to evolve alongside the communities we serve. We are expanding AI literacy for educators. So far this year we have trained 955 teachers in AI literacy, and they have reached an estimated 50,000 young people in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. We are also helping students prepare for workplaces where digital fluency and effective communication increasingly go hand- in-hand. Our goal is to equip people with the skills they will need to thrive and to embrace change in the years ahead.
Over 75 years, we have witnessed profound changes across the region and throughout the world. We continually refine our programs to meet new educational and workforce needs while remaining grounded in our mission of expanding opportunity through promoting education and mutual understanding. We continue to build ties and understanding amongst people through our robust exchange programs.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, I am reminded that our greatest strength is our ability to adapt and to provide relevant and impactful programs for our U.S. and international participants and partners. Every student who walks into an English classroom, every teacher embracing new approaches to facilitate learning, every professional earning a credential, and every young person pursuing new opportunities serve as a reminder that education remains a critical investment in human capital and sustainable development.
That is why the results of Amideast's work continue to matter today, and why I am confident they will matter for generations to come.