IB Global Conference, Haag 23.-25.10.2025
At the end of October we (Karita the CE coordinator and Riina, the CP Programme Coordinator) headed to Hague for the long-awaited IB Global Conference. The goal for the journey was a professional development, including networking with colleagues from around the world. The modern and spacious facilities of the World Forum provided an inspiring environment for three days filled with new ideas, deep discussions and inspiring encounters.
Our Humanity, Connected
This year’s conference theme, “Our Humanity, Connected,” resonated strongly with the challenges of today’s world. The program skillfully explored how we as educators can better prepare students for a future where academic knowledge alone is not enough. The focus was on human skills: self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to innovate. The discussions emphasized the need to raise young people who not only survive but also thrive in an ever-changing and uncertain world.
Inspiring speeches and insights
We heard great openings from the conference’s keynote speakers. IB Director General Olli-Pekka Heinonen opened the event with a thought-provoking presentation on the difference between knowledge and wisdom, which sparked a lot of discussion in the audience. Nigerian education innovator Modupe Olateju’s speech was also particularly memorable, opening up new perspectives on the accessibility of education and public-private sector collaboration. The third keynote speaker, Katja Schipperheijn, who specializes in artificial intelligence and the future of learning, challenged us to consider the role of technology in supporting humanity – not as a replacement for it.
In addition to the keynote lectures, the days were filled with smaller workshops and interactive sessions. In these sessions, we had the opportunity to delve into practical examples and share experiences with colleagues. Topics ranged from utilizing artificial intelligence in assessment to supporting student well-being. In particular, discussions about how the values at the core of IB programs can be more strongly integrated into everyday school life provided concrete tools and new enthusiasm for their own work.
Networking and the atmosphere of The Hague
The conference was not limited to the official program. The meeting of over 1,600 educators and school leaders created a unique atmosphere. The informal discussions during coffee breaks and shared lunches were at least as rewarding as the lectures. It was refreshing to see that similar challenges and successes are being tackled in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
In the evenings, we also had time to explore the city of The Hague, which, with its international courts and elegant streets, provided the perfect setting for the trip. The peaceful atmosphere and historic buildings created a nice contrast to the dynamic and future-oriented atmosphere of the conference.
Bringing new energy to work
We returned home with not only new pedagogical ideas, but also a strengthened sense of being part of a global community doing meaningful work. The conference reminded us once again that the most important task of education is to nurture and strengthen our common humanity. The trip was a success in every way and gave us a lot of new energy and food for thought for the coming school years.
CE Coordinator Karita, author of this journey blog
IB Coordinator Riina translated this text with the assistance of Google Translator.
