The world has changed in dramatic ways since 2019. The practice of education is no exception. The where and how in education were challenged during the pandemic, but the why should perhaps be the central question as we contemplate future modes of education at all levels. The pandemic amplified the differences in the educational experiences of the haves and have-nots. The vulnerable and marginalised around the world, including Asia, need our attention more than ever but access and quality are unequally distributed in most of our educational systems. This is especially so in higher education. Yet, we have been debating endlessly about the pros and cons of online platforms, the decline in university revenues (due to lack of international students) and how to restore pre-pandemic normalcy in campus life.
These are testing times, where we are all trying to regroup from massive social, economic and political disruptions – at home and globally. In many parts of the “have-nots” world, concerns about education revolve around equity and access, and as such they are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) issues. Exchange of views and ideas among the stakeholders, practitioners and researchers in education as well as international development are crucial if we are to overcome the challenges to build a better future.
ACEID2022 affords us an exceptional opportunity to do so, as well as for renewing old acquaintances, making new contacts, networking, and facilitating partnerships across national and disciplinary borders.
Since its founding in 2009, IAFOR events and platforms have brought people and ideas together to promote and celebrate interdisciplinary study and exchange. IAFOR continues to engage in many cross-sectoral projects across the world, including those engaging leading universities and think tanks. Our unique global platform facilitates discussion around specific subject areas, with the goal of generating new knowledge and understanding, forging and expanding new international, intercultural and interdisciplinary research networks and partnerships.
ACEID2022 is a remarkable opportunity to gather (virtually or in-person) to discuss, debate, and develop the ideas that will shape the future of education in line with an important objective of the SDGs, to “leave no one behind”.
