The 2nd GRIFE Annual Conference on Education Innovation and Talent Development for a Sustainable Future: Chinese, Finnish, and Global Perspectives

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 individals 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.

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

Date: 16-17 June 2025
Location: Hong Kong
Format: In-person (Online registration will be opened for Keynote Speech and Plenary Panel Discussion)

Conference Strands

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

Fostering Educational Innovation
Developing Global Talent
Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Education
Building Supportive Policy Frameworks

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.