Day 1

The science of complexity, and more specifically of the complexity of human systems, gives us tools to help make sense of the world and take action in it – a key objective of all educational systems also. When we face multiple, interconnected crises and continuous emergencies, complexity emphasizes the need to move away from recipes and towards paying attention to the capacities that emerge through interaction in complex systems, like education.
In this keynote, Dave Snowden will present a coherent perspective on complexity that distills 40 years of study and practical experience, including wide-ranging work with youth and education, to discuss how we observe what acts in a system, how to monitor for new possibilities emerging, and how to support novel potential to create organic solutions in a system.

In our conference’s final session, BJ Miller and Richard Joannides will share their insights on what it means to truly live well – to find purpose, embrace wisdom, and thrive against the odds. They’ll talk about how, despite life’s complex challenges, there’s always a wise and compassionate way forward. That’s why getting the educational piece right matters. It’s the starting point and the seed that lets human creativity, kindness, and potential flourish.

This closing session is set to be a heartfelt discussion on the incredible potential within each of us, tapping into and celebrating the amazing variety and depth of human ingenuity.

Can compassion really be trained? Is it worth the effort? Is it ever too late? Drawing on insights from Emory University’s program in compassion training (CBCT®), this talk will explore the meaning of compassion from practical, scientific, and pedagogical perspectives. We will examine some “inner” roadblocks to thriving in the field of education and explore how compassion – when understood and practiced wisely – can protect against burnout and sustain a commitment to student flourishing. Drawing from the latest research, we’ll consider how compassion may be the key ‘inner skill’ for educators who seek a just, ethical, and kind society for all.

“You are what you read.” In this talk attendees will be introduced to the concepts of infobesity, information wellness, and proof-of-human-knowledge, and new tools and frameworks for tangibly changing how we understand and control our relationship to information, individually and in society. Through the contexts of nutrition, reputation, social media psychology, and A.I., Mario presents a different future for education in school, at work, and beyond. Attendees interested in diving deeper will be able to attend Mario’s accompanying workshop, exploring the technology and trends beneath the surface.

In this session, we will explore Nature-based education as a holistic approach to healing and learning, guiding us towards a profound connection and “right relationship” with ourselves, others, and the natural world. This is especially important as we face the challenges of our planet’s current critical state, emphasizing the urgency of fostering harmony and balance through our educational practices.

From the classroom, to the boardroom, resilience is what helps us respond to the daily demands of living and working. How can we harness our physiological, psychological and relational resilience to help us survive and thrive? Presenting insights from interdisciplinary research, this talk will illuminate the factors that support the personal and collective resilience we need to thrive in this time of great challenge and change.

This panel discussion is designed to offer a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities that define contemporary parenting. Richard Joannides will moderate a in-depth discussion with Urania Cremene, Andreea Abe Neagu and Lila Vasilescu, three powerful voices with extensive experience in this process.

By bringing together expert voices from across the spectrum, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape, equipping parents with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of raising children in an era marked by rapid technological and societal change. Our goal is for every participant to leave feeling more informed, supported, and empowered to parent with grace and wisdom in these transformative times.