WISE-ED Highlights of CIES 2025
- mbrant2
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
The Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) 2025 conference brought together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss pressing global education challenges under the theme "Education for Sustainable Futures: Equity, Innovation, and Resilience." Held in Hybrid Mode (Virtual & In-Person in Barcelona, Spain), the conference featured dynamic discussions, cutting-edge research, and collaborative solutions for transforming education systems.
Conference Key Highlights:
Focus on AI & Digital Equity – Sessions explored how artificial intelligence can enhance learning while addressing digital divides, with debates on ethical AI use in classrooms.
Climate Change Education – A major emphasis was placed on integrating sustainability into curricula, with UNESCO presenting new frameworks for climate literacy.
Refugee & Displaced Learners – Innovative programs supporting education in crisis zones were showcased, including mobile schools and trauma-informed teaching.
Decolonizing Education – Scholars called for inclusive pedagogies that challenge Eurocentric models, promoting Indigenous knowledge systems.
Youth & Student Voices – A standout feature was the increased participation of young activists and students in panels, advocating for policy changes.
UN SDG 4 Progress Review – Data-driven discussions assessed global progress toward equitable quality education, highlighting gaps in funding and accessibility.
WISE-ED’s Footprint in CIES 2025:
This year marked the 10 year Anniversary of WISE-ED being a member and active participant of CIES! We have had many wonderful memories throughout the years from Vanccuver to Boston, San Francisco to DC. Each conference reminds us why we are part of this amazing group of people from around the world congragating because of their passion for education. Since 2015, Wise-ed has hosted workshops, multiple presentations, an annual booth, launched its Reseach Consortium, Partnership for Global Learning Villages, as well as SEL curriculum and childrens books. We are proud to be members of this society and look forward to the next decade of making friend and partnerships.
Presentation – The Dilemma of AI Vs. Human Touch
A dynamic presenation was given by the President of WISE-ED, James Michael Brant, on the challenges of AI in education and the necessary safegaurds that should be part of the discussion for the future. “As soon as modern technology brought us the potential for AI in education, some moral, ethical, and philosophically transcendental questions were presented to the education community in every country of the world that had the ability to use it.”
“On this point, it seems that humans still need humans because humans have inherent, foundational, and irreplicable qualities, which by nature, AI can never have (Lonergan, 1957). Discourse on this topic is critical because decisions being made at all levels can be irreversible.” (see link)
Research Consortium Booth -
WISE-ED and partners from the Reseach Consoritum hosted the annual booth, to share the highlights of the last few years and to communicate the 2025-2030 Digital Transformation Strategy being launched:
- Virutal Future Shapers Intenship for aspiring change makers
- Africa Research Consortium Podcast for knowledge sharing
- Bridge of Hope Clubs Mentorship (football and treeplanting)
- Bridge Builders Academy for Project Based Virtual Learning
- Supporting girls virtual learning in Afghanistan
- SEL/STEM/PBL online training for Teachers
WISE-ED also collected 30+ signatures for a Social Emotional Development and Learning Group, we hope to expand the knowledge sharing around the world on the multidisciplinary approaches and value for 21st Century skills.
Conclusion
CIES 2025 reinforced the need for collaborative, innovative approaches to build resilient and inclusive education systems. The conference set the stage for actionable strategies to achieve sustainable development in education worldwide.
CIES has been an ongoing space of dialogue of knowledge. It was a pleasure meeting and learning from the humility of Prof. Michael at the San Francisco momentous event.