A high-profile international summit concluded today with a pressing call for transformative progress in Pakistan”s education sector, as academic leaders, policymakers, and global experts addressed the profound impacts of artificial intelligence, the digital divide, and the urgent need for curriculum innovation.
The 4th International Education Conference, organised by the Department of Education at Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) [FCCU], took place on February 13-14. Themed ‘Re(imagining) and Re(forming) Education: Navigating the New Educational Frontier,’ the gathering convened specialists to confront the critical technological and societal hurdles facing the modern learning environment.
The event saw extensive participation from over 22 national and international institutions, including Iqra University, LUMS, Aga Khan University, the University of the Punjab, Franklin University (Switzerland), Istinye University (Istanbul), and Western University of Ontario (Canada).
Throughout the two-day programme, more than 55 research papers were presented, complemented by poster sessions and workshops. A notable feature was the direct involvement of teachers from FCCU’s K-10 Light of Hope School, who provided practical insights into the day-to-day challenges within Pakistani classrooms.
In his remarks, FCCU Rector Dr. Jonathan S. Addleton stressed the necessity of imaginative educators to navigate future educational frontiers. Vice Rector Dr. Douglas E. Trimble characterised the event as a vital platform for dialogue on technology and innovative teaching methods, while Convenor Dr. Ashar Johnson Khokhar underscored the timely need to explore AI ethics and foster global collaboration for future-ready educational systems.
The inaugural session featured a keynote address from Dr. Faisal Bari of LUMS, who offered insights on reimagining higher education. Another keynote by Caroline White of Starfish Pakistan focused on practical reforms and inclusive practices.
Chief Guest H.E. Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, advocated for a renewed focus on quality education, youth empowerment, and innovation to drive meaningful change across the country”s educational landscape.
The second day was dedicated to professional development, with a series of parallel workshops for researchers, faculty, and school teachers attracting over 100 participants. The sessions received an overwhelmingly positive response, with 85-90% of attendees praising the content”s relevance to real-world issues.