Our Humanity, Connected

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The event, themed Our Humanity, Connected, brought together around 1600 educators, experts, and school leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to explore the role of human connection in education amidst the changing world that we live in.

The conference featured keynote addresses from distinguished speakers, including Olli-Pekka Heinonen, the Director General of the IBO, Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD, renowned for his leadership in global education policy and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), and Darnell Fine, an international school principal and curriculum consultant recognised for his expertise in culturally responsive teaching and educational leadership.

“We at the IB have a superpower, and that superpower is called intercultural understanding and respect.”
- Olli-Pekka Heinonen, IB Director General

Over the three-day event, I participated in breakout sessions covering topics such as ethical use of AI in the classroom, connected IBDP Core programmes, Language & Culture Studies programmes, and leadership in education. These sessions provided me with opportunities to discuss emerging trends, and collaborate on strategies to enhance student learning experiences back here at the College.

The IB Global Conference in Singapore underscored the importance of human connection in education, emphasising empathy, self-awareness, and innovation as essential qualities for preparing students to navigate an uncertain future.

To watch a short summary video from the conference, click here.

Applications for places in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Year 12, 2026 will be opening next term.