Our school’s IBDP Coordinator recently attended the IB Global Conference in The Hague, held from 23–26 October. The event, which was sold out with over 1,600 delegates, brought together teachers, coordinators, and school leaders from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The conference theme, “Our Humanity, Connected,” explored how educators can remain united and grounded in our shared values in an age of rapid and constant change. As global educators, participants reflected on how education can continue to strengthen the connections that make us human, regardless of geography or background.
Throughout the conference, delegates engaged in a wide range of interactive and thought-provoking sessions. These included DP Coordinator Forums, “Cultures of Thinking in Action,” “The Impact of AI in Assessment,” and “Learning Like Your Life Depended on It” presented by Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate. Artificial Intelligence was a particularly prominent theme this year, with lively discussions about its potential to enhance learning and assessment, as well as the challenges it may pose for educators and students.
There were also many inspiring sessions that reaffirmed the core mission of the IB—to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who contribute to creating a better and more peaceful world through education that fosters intercultural understanding and respect.
This year’s conference held special significance for our school, as we proudly welcomed our first cohort of IB Diploma Programme students in September. The experience of attending the conference has further strengthened our commitment to the IB’s educational philosophy and to nurturing our students as independent thinkers, compassionate learners, and responsible global citizens.
We are already delighted by the enthusiasm, curiosity, and resilience our IB students have demonstrated in these first few weeks. Over the next two years, they will embark on a challenging and rewarding journey—one that will not only prepare them for university and beyond, but also equip them with the skills, values and global outlook needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The IB Global Conference served as a tmely reminder of why the IB matters so deeply: it is an education that connects us all through our shared humanity and a belief in the power of learning to make a difference.
