The roundtable discussion at Ateneo de Manila University addressed the evolving challenges of educational leadership in the face of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and climate change. With global trends reshaping the educational landscape, experts from the Asia-Pacific region gathered to offer insights into the future of education.
Learning from the Future: Key Insights from the Roundtable Discussion
On March 4, 2025, the Hive in Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, hosted a pivotal event spearheaded by the Lily Gokongwei Ngochua Leadership Academy and the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design (GBSEALD). The roundtable, titled “Learning from the Future, Leading for the Future: A Roundtable Discussion on the Futures of Educational Leadership,” brought together notable experts to deliberate the future impact of AI and climate change on education.
Dr. Maria Luz Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education at Ateneo, set the stage with her opening remarks. Marite P. Irvine, Executive Director of GBSEALD’s Research Institute for the Futures of Education (RIFE), emphasized the necessity for educators to envision future educational modalities amidst global disruptions. She introduced the concept of futures thinking, stressing its importance for making informed decisions in uncertain times.
Evolving Insights and Discussions at the Event
The heart of the roundtable lies in its rich exchange of ideas and thought-provoking discussions. Expert insights provided attendees with a deeper understanding of future educational landscapes shaped by AI and climate change.
Expert Talks: Pioneering Insights into the Future of Education
Dr. Maria Luz Vilches and Marite P. Irvine framed the conversation with talks on the significance of futures thinking. Irvine underscored the need for educators to address global challenges by considering multiple future scenarios. By adopting futures thinking, educators can better navigate the uncertainties posed by technological advancements and environmental changes.
Panel Discussions: Diverse Perspectives on Tomorrow’s Challenges
Panels comprising Gerson Abesamis, Dr. Lizan Perante-Calina, and Dr. Nur Anisah Abdullah explored various facets of future educational leadership. Abesamis discussed integrating AI to enhance personalized learning experiences and promote environmental sustainability. Dr. Perante-Calina highlighted the need for adaptive strategies to manage geopolitical risks and extreme weather events. Dr. Abdullah encouraged a collaborative approach to creating resilient educational frameworks capable of handling future uncertainties.
Dynamic Workshops and Engaged Audience Participation
Attendees actively participated in workshops designed to foster collaborative thinking and innovative approaches. These workshops offered a platform for sharing ideas and brainstorming solutions to potential future challenges. Engaging audience participation enriched the discussions, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of the topics addressed by the panelists.
Innovations on Display: Educational Technology in Action
The event also featured product demonstrations showcasing cutting-edge educational technologies. These innovations signaled a significant shift toward personalized and sustainable learning modalities. The exhibits provided a concrete glimpse into how AI and technological advancements would transform educational practices, making them more adaptable to future demands.
Long-term Impact and Future Directions
The roundtable concluded with essential takeaways emphasizing the urgency for higher education institutions to adopt futures thinking actively. The discussions highlighted collaboration, innovative strategies, and resilience as crucial elements for successfully navigating future challenges. The event’s outcomes will likely drive educational leaders to implement forward-thinking approaches aligned with emerging global realities.
In closing remarks, Dr. Jakarin Srimoon reflected on the importance of confronting evolving educational challenges with a proactive mindset. The shared insights offered valuable guidance, encouraging leaders to embrace innovative practices and collaborate on solutions that prepare students for the future. The event underscored that understanding potential scenarios is vital for guiding educational leadership toward favorable outcomes, sparking a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation.
