Istanbul Education Summit: Fostering global dialogue on education

Now in its fourth year, the Istanbul Education Summit has firmly established itself as a leading global forum for addressing critical educational challenges. Organized by the Turkish Maarif Foundation, the summit plays a central role in fostering international collaboration and dialogue in education. The previous conference took place between December 6-7, 2024 under the theme “Education for a Fair and Equitable Society for a Sustainable Future”. The event continued to advocate for transformative ideas and practical strategies to create a more just and sustainable world while being held virtually.

The Turkish Maarif Foundation has been the driving force behind the summit’s success, showcasing its commitment to advancing international education. According to the Daily Sabah newspaper, the foundation has grown its global network of schools and educational initiatives over the years. The summit was also transformed into an essential platform for tackling pressing global education issues by uniting diverse voices, while the foundation strengthens its mission to build bridges through education that respects and integrates local cultures and systems.

Since its inception, the Istanbul Education Summit has served as a vibrant hub for educators, policymakers, and thought leaders worldwide. This year’s program featured an array of sessions, including panels, keynote speeches, a youth session, and discussions on best practices in education. Topics such as the intersection of education and state policies, social justice, and sustainability in education were key areas of focus. One highlight was the participation of Bejda Torbani, a Turkish Maarif Foundation graduate from Prizren, the Kosovo Province, now studying biomedical engineering in Türkiye, during the youth session. This moment underscored the foundation’s growing global influence and the success of its graduates in amplifying its mission on an international scale.

The summit commenced on December 6 with a keynote message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to equitable and sustainable education. He highlighted the nation’s achievement of hosting 338,161 international students across its universities, placing it among the top 10 globally. Yusuf Tekin, Türkiye’s minister of national education, further stressed the importance of the Turkish Maarif Foundation’s philosophy of promoting justice and wisdom in education. Tekin also discussed education’s transformative power to shape societies founded on principles of equity and fairness, reinforcing its vital role in creating a more harmonious global community.

A hallmark of this year’s summit was its emphasis on fostering global intellectual exchanges. A high-level meeting brought together ministers from North Macedonia, Indonesia, and Liberia to discuss their countries’ educational policies. Moderated by professor Birol Akgün, president of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, the meeting also spotlighted the foundation’s achievements, such as its International Maarif Program and an AI course introduced in seven countries. Akgün underlined the foundation’s efforts to stay at the forefront of educational innovation, reinforcing its reputation as a symbol of quality in international education.

The summit drew over 70,000 participants, including 10,500 teachers from 108 countries and 1,365 academics from 326 universities. This widespread participation reflects its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring diverse voices contribute to meaningful discussions.

Education and Governance

One of the summit’s critical themes was the relationship between education and governance. The panel “Rethinking Relations Between State and Education,” moderated by professor Ibrahim Hakan Karataş of Medeniyet University in Istanbul, explored how governments can balance national priorities with universal educational rights. Featuring speakers from the US, Lesotho, and Albania, the panel underscored the importance of aligning educational policies with broader societal needs.

Social justice also took center stage. The panel “Social Justice and Education,” moderated by professor Macid Ayhan Melekoğlu from Bogazici University, explored strategies for addressing educational disparities and empowering marginalized communities. The discussion included significant insights into the challenges faced in Gaza, where widespread school destruction has deprived hundreds of thousands of students of education, highlighting the urgent need for equity-focused initiatives.

Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability was another key theme running through the summit. Discussions focused on integrating environmental awareness into curricula and promoting lifelong learning to align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The panel “A New Sustainable School Culture,” moderated by professor Hayati Akyol from Gazi University, featured innovative perspectives on modern educational design, such as Takaharu Tezuka’s transformative architectural concepts for schools worldwide.

Keynote speakers further enriched the discussions. Professor Richard Falk’s opening address emphasized the need for education to equip individuals with skills to navigate current global challenges. The closing keynote by professor Mutlu Çukurova explored AI’s transformative potential in education, advocating for its use as a complement to human intelligence in promoting equity and sustainability.

A Call to Action

More than just an event, the Istanbul Education Summit is a call to action, reminding participants of education’s critical role in building a fairer, more equitable society. This year’s online format allowed the summit’s message to reach a global audience, amplifying its impact. By addressing pivotal issues such as social justice, sustainability, and the interplay between education and state policies, the summit sets the stage for transformative changes in global education systems.

As the summit concludes its fourth edition, it leaves attendees with a renewed sense of purpose. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision, the Istanbul Education Summit exemplifies how education can be a powerful tool for creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

By Nazrin Sadigova