#China #Hong Kong #Education #Yidan Prize #resilience

Future-proofing Education: Insights from the 2024 Yidan Prize Summit

On December 9, 2024, the Yidan Prize Foundation convened in Hong Kong for the much-anticipated 2024 Yidan Prize Summit, themed 'Future-proofing education: the essential role of resilience.' This summit served as a dynamic platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and educators from around the world to discuss innovative strategies aimed at enhancing resilience in education, ensuring that institutions and learners alike can adapt in an ever-changing landscape.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Charles CHEN Yidan, the founder of the Yidan Prize, articulated the critical importance of resilience, which he sees as rooted in hope amidst modern challenges. He emphasized that resilience is not merely a personal trait; it forms the foundation of resilient economies and societies.

The summit featured prominent speakers, including Alicia Herbert, the UK's Director of Education, Gender and Equality. In her keynote address, she pointed out that while progress has been made in quality research focused on improving educational outcomes, the challenge lies in embedding these interventions within governmental systems effectively. Herbert stressed the need for significant collaboration to mitigate uncertainties in education. "Investment is essential, but it is not sufficient on its own; collaboration across all fronts will yield genuinely transformative change," she asserted.

Among the summit's highlight sessions was a guest sharing from Professor Zongkai Yang of Wuhan University of Technology, who presented how artificial intelligence can redefine learning. He explored how AI can assist educators in various functions including co-teaching and data analysis, while simultaneously enhancing students' capabilities to acquire skills necessary for the future.

Three panels delved into the multifaceted role of resilience in education:

1. Learner-Centric Resilience: Emphasizing that resilience involves equipping students with essential skills within systems co-created with their input is vital. Panelists shared insights into how to foster engaging educational dialogues and leverage technology to ensure effective student involvement.

2. Empowering Educators: The discussion led by Hon. Adrian Piccoli, former Minister of Education in New South Wales, highlighted the significance of building trust, autonomy, and agency among educators. The panel concluded that a supportive teaching environment is paramount for fostering emotional resilience within the education system.

3. Inclusive Perspectives for Stronger Systems: The importance of integrating diverse voices, particularly marginalized groups like refugees, was spotlighted. Dr. Becky Telford from UNHCR stressed the importance of bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice to develop well-rounded educational solutions that address systemic challenges.

The summit also showcased fireside chats with this year's Yidan Prize laureates, including Professor Wolfgang Lutz and the War Child Alliance team. Lutz's work stressed that education is paramount in strengthening communities' resilience against climate change, advocating for investment in human capital alongside physical infrastructure. The War Child Alliance detailed their program 'Can't Wait to Learn,' which broadens access to quality education for those affected by conflict, elucidating its role in promoting well-being and resilience.

As the summit concluded, Lucy Lake, the Yidan Prize Foundation's Director of Global Engagement, reiterated the critical link between education and resilience. "Education fosters resilience at both personal and societal levels. We must also ensure that education itself is resilient, which means taking collective responsibility and advocating for adequate public funding to support this vital sector."

The gathering culminated in the 2024 Yidan Prize Awards Ceremony celebrating recipients for their commitment to equity and quality in education across various contexts. The call for nominations for the 2025 Yidan Prize is now open, inviting changemakers in education to be recognized for their impactful work. For more information about the Yidan Prize and opportunities to participate, interested individuals can visit the official website.