Introduction
The Global Research Institute for Finnish Education (GRIFE) at The Education University of Hong Kong is delighted to announce its 2nd Annual Conference, focused on Education Innovation and Talent Development for a Sustainable Future. We warmly invite you to join us in advancing educational innovation and fostering talent to support sustainable development.

As societies face rapid technological advancements and urgent global challenges, education systems are at a pivotal point. There is an increasing need for innovation in education, including nurturing individuals to be adaptable, forward-thinking, and oriented towards sustainability (Cai & Wolff, 2023). According to UNESCO (2017), sustainable development requires educational transformation to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and sustainability skills. This year’s GRIFE Annual Conference aims to facilitate an international dialogue on how innovations in education and talent cultivation can both respond to and influence the sustainable development agenda. Specifically, it will explore educational practices, policies, and research from Chinese, Finnish, and global perspectives, thereby deepening our understanding of the topic.

Building on the success of its inaugural conference, GRIFE continues to explore the unique contributions of Finnish education and its global impact (Sahlberg, 2021). With a comparative focus on China, Finland, and other regions that, while distinct in their educational approaches, share a commitment to sustainability, this conference will provide a platform to explore how education can prepare learners to thrive in and contribute to a rapidly evolving world.

The conference will bring together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share research findings, exchange ideas, and discuss the following sub-themes:

• Fostering Educational Innovation: As educational institutions strive to equip students for an uncertain future, the need for innovation has become increasingly critical. This sub-theme will highlight groundbreaking practices in pedagogy, curriculum design, and learning environments that support creativity and sustainability.
• Developing Global Talent: The cultivation of talent is essential for sustainable growth. Sessions will focus on strategies and policies that nurture skilled, adaptable, and ethically aware individuals who are capable of leading change across various sectors and communities.
• Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Education: As technology continues to transform education, this sub-theme will examine the role of digital tools and platforms in expanding access, fostering collaboration, and supporting sustainable educational practices across borders. Ethical considerations related to the use of advanced digital technologies will also be explored.
• Building Supportive Policy Frameworks: Education for sustainable development is supported by robust policy frameworks. Through a comparison of different policy approaches, participants will gain insights into how governments and educational institutions can collaborate to foster ecosystems that encourage innovation.

With contributions from international experts, educators, graduate students and policymakers, the conference aspires to create a rich environment for sharing research, discussing practical solutions, and fostering collaborations that can propel education towards a sustainable future. Ultimately, the event aims to contribute to a global understanding of how diverse educational systems can evolve and unite around common goals for sustainable development, preparing individuals to thrive and lead in an increasingly complex world.

Conference Details

Submission Guidelines
We welcome submissions from researchers, educators, graduate students and policymakers. Contributions may include empirical studies, theoretical papers, case studies, and practical insights. Submissions should align with the conference themes and offer a unique perspective on educational innovation and sustainable talent development.

Important Dates

Submission Process
Please submit your abstracts (200-300 words in English) via our online submission portal: https://eduhk.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e8rOWEGAVY96zfE. Selected abstracts will be invited for full paper submission, to be shared among conference participants before the conference.

Contact Information
For inquiries and further details, please contact the GRIFE Conference 2025 Organising team at grife@eduhk.hk.

References

• Cai, Y., & Wolff, L.-A. (2023). Education and Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability, 15(1), 643. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/1/643
• Sahlberg, P. (2021). Finnish Lessons 3.0: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland? Teachers College Press.
• UNESCO. (2017). Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives. UNESCO Publishing.

Disclaimer: The ideas and opinions expressed in this conference and publication are those of the speakers and authors; they are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization.