Leading figures including the OECD’s Andreas Schleicher, Omar A. Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman & CEO of Al-Futtaim Group, and HE Aisha Miran, Director General of the KHDA, will convene at Deira International School, Dubai, on November 23-24 for the inaugural World Schools Summit. The event will bring together over 1,000 leaders of the world’s best schools alongside policymakers, NGOs, tech companies and the biggest figures in global education to transform teaching and learning.
Speakers include:
- Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education, OECD;
- Omar A. Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman & CEO, Al-Futtaim Group;
- HE Aisha Miran, Director General, KHDA;
- HE Rossieli Soares da Silva, Minister of Education, State of Pará, Brazil;
- Asheesh Advani, CEO, JA Worldwide;
- Angeline Murimwira, CEO of Camfed and winner of the Africa Education Medal 2024
- Baela Jamil, CEO of Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi and winner of the Asia Education Medal 2024
- Duriya Aziz, Senior Vice President, Scholastic Inc;
- Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General, International Baccalaureate; and
- Maggie MacDonnell, Global Teacher Prize winner.
Programme preview:
Panel discussions:
Leading figures will discuss and answer questions on key topics including: the future of Arabic education, prioritising wellbeing, and preparing students for the world of work.
Debates:
Parliamentary-style debates will be held on some of the most crucial topics in education today including: whether existing curricula are fit for purpose, whether universities perpetuate a world that no longer exists, whether schools should prioritise students’ mental wellbeing over standardised test scores, and whether taxpayers will demand AI replace teachers.
AI masterclasses:
Alex Gray, Leader & Founder of DEEP Professional, will lead a series of hands-on learning sessions on AI, using practical examples to help educators integrate AI into their classrooms.
Workshops:
Expert-led, interactive workshops will share best practices and skill principals up in vital areas such as building leadership initiatives, supporting teacher growth, evidence-based practice, teaching entrepreneurship, and professional wellness.
Learning from the world’s best schools:
Delegates will hear from winners and finalists of the World’s Best School Prizes, as well as schools certified as a Best School to Work, so that they can learn from the innovative solutions these leading institutions have arrived at.
Even before the pandemic, the UN was warning the world was on course to miss Sustainable Development Goal 4 of universal quality education. COVID has only made that mountain steeper to climb. Through sharing ideas and best practices, and bringing together the key players in global education, the World Schools Summit seeks to change the course of education by driving high performance in schools.
The World Schools Summit was established this year by T4 Education in partnership with Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, Scholastic, DP World, Power Club, Prometric, Inicio Partners, Miqyas Al Dhad, and The Happy Confident Company.
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World Schools Summit, said:
“Global education stands at a crossroads. Concerted international action is vital if we are to meet UN SDG 4 and achieve quality education for every child on the planet. But this can’t only come from the top down. Those in the halls and corridors of power must listen to those at the coalface of education if we’re to see the change we need.
“That’s why, for the first time, we’re bringing together leaders from the world’s best schools alongside leading figures in global education, to begin a crucial conversation from which, for too long, educators have been excluded. Here, too, they will be able to share best practices in driving high performance and harnessing the Hidden Curriculum – those unspoken values at the heart of every school’s culture – to transform teaching and learning across borders and contexts.”
Mira Omar Al Futtaim, Chairperson of the Al-Futtaim Emiratisation Council and Board Member of the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, said:
“At Al-Futtaim, we truly believe that education is the key to progress and sustainability. Our partnership with the World Schools Summit demonstrates our commitment to reshaping education by highlighting the remarkable achievements of educators around the globe. By celebrating their dedication and innovation, we aim to inspire positive changes in the field. It’s vital that we create a balanced environment where technological advancements support overall growth, helping to build a learning space that empowers students to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.”
Duriya Aziz, Senior Vice President, Scholastic Inc, said:
“Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company connecting educators and families through accessibility, engagement, and expertise, supports the World Schools Summit by T4 Education, recognising its commitment to transforming education through innovation and collaboration. As a provider of evidence-based solutions in K-12 literacy and mathematics, Scholastic provides high-quality, engaging learning experiences that inspire students and empower educators. The World Schools Summit offers a unique platform for sharing ideas and developing strategies to create equitable, learner-centred learning environments.”
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said:
“At DP World, we believe that education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. Our contribution to transforming education is rooted in our commitment to providing equal opportunities for all, ensuring that every individual has the chance to thrive in the global economy. By supporting the World Schools Summit, we aim to empower educators and students alike, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to drive change. This partnership reflects our unwavering dedication to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning as essential elements of a brighter, more equitable future.”
Saurabh Saxena, Founder & CEO of Power Club, said:
“We are truly inspired to be partnering at the World Schools Summit, engaging in meaningful conversations around the future of education and curriculum development. We are building Power Club as a real-world learning movement, with the objective of bridging the gap between the world of work and academics. At the heart of the movement lies empowering students to connect and collaborate with experts and organisations from all over the world and discovering their unique creative gifts and talents, through meaningful, inspiring experiences. At the World Schools Summit, we are excited to represent this movement, engage with school leaders and educators from across the world and launch a real-world learning coalition that will become the face of this movement.”
Dr. Jesús Jara, Practice Leader, K-12 Global at Prometric, said:
“Education is the blueprint for our future. By embracing innovation and collaboration, we can build a world where every learner thrives, and every idea has the power to ignite change. I am looking forward to joining the top minds of education across the world at the World Schools Summit for a discussion on K-12 education.”
Danielle West, Founder and CEO of Inicio Partners, said:
“At Inicio Partners, we believe that exceptional leaders shape the future of education. Supporting the T4 Education World Schools Summit aligns perfectly with our mission to support transformative leadership in schools worldwide. This summit fosters the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices, enabling us to contribute to a global conversation on improving education for all.”
ABOUT T4 EDUCATION:
We believe every child, everywhere, deserves a good education. We are building the world’s largest community of teachers and schools to achieve this. Together. Our digital media platform provides opportunities for educators to network, collaborate, share good practices, and support each other’s efforts to improve learning and school culture. We work to amplify teachers’ voices because the world we want to see will only be built by listening to those at the heart of education.
