GIHES Declaration pushes education system towards holistic approach

The Global Islamic Holistic Education Summit (GIHES) 2026 Declaration encourages a shift in the global education model towards a holistic approach that prioritises the intellectual aspect and uses artificial intelligence (AI) ethically in education.

“Amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, we must see a person’s character as a whole and must not rely solely on AI-based assessments, so that every individual is still required to maintain integrity and the authenticity of their identity,” said the Rector of UNIDA Gontor and Chairman of the Gontor Centenary Commemoration, Prof. Dr. Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, at the GIHES conference at the Borobudur Hotel, Central Jakarta, on Sunday.

He said that education on human identity must be prioritised and not rely solely on technological capabilities. He mentioned that character education is important in order to optimally shape the resilience of students.

According to him, the current education system places too much emphasis on the development of science and technology, so it has not fully implemented the pillars of education put forward by UNESCO and education experts.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the GIHES 2026 Committee, KH Anang Rikza Masyhadi, stressed that quality education is not only oriented towards the teaching and learning process, but must also shape students’ abilities comprehensively.

“The main theme of this seminar is a high-quality education system. This is not only about educating, but also providing cognitive, intellectual and other skills,” he said.

Meanwhile, GIHES 2026 Committee Chairman Kiai Hadiyanto Arief said that holistic education also has a role in equipping every student to face various world problems that cannot be adequately solved with science and technology alone.

He argued that AI and similar technologies must be positioned as supporting tools for human life. According to him, education must be able to answer environmental problems, peace, and increasingly complex humanitarian challenges.

“We need to be able to fight this disease, fight against the disease,” he said.

He added that the forum was attended by more than 300 participants consisting of leaders and figures who hold strategic positions in education and various other sectors.

“This is a summit meeting of leaders who hold strategic positions,” he said.