Across the sessions and discussions at the 4th International Conference on Education (ICE 2025), speakers highlighted the urgent need to address systemic inequities in access to quality education, strengthen teacher capacity, and align curricula with local contexts and evolving workforce demands. Panellists emphasized community engagement, public–private partnerships, and data-informed decision-making as critical enablers of meaningful and sustainable change. Collectively, the conversations reinforced that lasting improvement in Pakistan’s education system requires a long-term vision, robust cross-sector collaboration, and a sustained commitment to inclusive, learner-centered educational practices.
The inaugural session of the two-day International Conference on Education (ICE 2025) was held at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) on Saturday, December 13, 2025, under the theme “Integrating Curriculum, Research and Lifelong Learning in Education.” The conference brought together academics, practitioners, scholars, and education administrators to deliberate on the future of education in Pakistan. ICE 2025 was organized by the Department of Education, College of Economics and Social Development (CESD), IoBM.
ICE 2025 was planned and organized under the leadership of Dr. Nadia Ayub, Dean CESD; Dr. Kiran Hashmi, Head of the Department of Education at IoBM, in collaboration with her dedicated team of committed faculty members and professionals, all working collectively to strengthen and advance the fabric of education at IoBM and across Pakistan.
Conference Patron and President of IoBM, Mr. Talib Karim, highlighted the importance of adapting teaching approaches to align with the learning styles and perspectives of Gen Z, and stressed the need for focused faculty training. In her welcome address, Dr. Nadia Ayub, Dean of CESD, emphasized the need for a holistic education system that equips learners to meet future societal and economic challenges. Keynote Speaker, Dr. Luís Miguel Cardoso, Professor at the Polytechnic University, Portugal, spoke on the growing importance of AI literacy and digital skills in education.
The Chief Guest, Ms. Durdana Ansari, former producer at the BBC, noted that education plays a critical role in equipping students to address real-world challenges. Dr. Sussane Beiweis, Assistant Professor at Habib University, underscored the importance of fostering interactive learning environments, encouraging both faculty and students to actively ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions. Dr. Iain Keith Riley, Head of School at TNS Beaconhouse, Pakistan, emphasized the role of teachers in building meaningful connections with students to better understand their perspectives, needs, and challenges.
The two-day ICE 2025 aimed to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s education landscape by introducing innovative and inclusive curriculum models, promoting ethical research practices, and leveraging AI-driven insights to inform education policy and practice. Speakers addressed key challenges and emerging trends in education, with a particular focus on curriculum innovation, educational technology, research methodologies, and workforce readiness. The discussions underscored the critical need to translate research into effective policy and actionable practice, while emphasizing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based recommendations to drive sustainable educational reform in Pakistan and beyond.
Distinguished panellists included Ms. Neda Mulji, Senior Manager, Professional Development at Oxford University Press; Dr. Peter Springer, Associate Professor at Habib University; Mr. Kamil Majeed, Principal and CEO of Nordic International School, Lahore; Mr. Prem Sagar, Special Consultant, SELD, Government of Sindh; Dr. Shahnawaz Adil, Director (Academics, Advanced Studies, and Research) at Iqra University; and Dr. Arshad Saleem, Dean, Faculty of Education, Languages and Literacy, University of Sufism and Modern Sciences, Bhitshah, Sindh.
The final session of the day, Narratives (Open Dialogue), provided a platform for practitioners, policymakers, and education leaders to share ground realities and lived experiences from across Pakistan’s education sector. Moderated by Dr. Maria Azfar, the session featured panellists Ms. Shirin Hussain, Co-Founder and CEO, Sindh Singhar Initiative; Mr. Ghulam Isa Khan, Darsano Channo Government School; Mr. Ahmed Abbas Saya, The Bridge Organization; Mr. Adeel Baloch, Head of Literacy and Life Skills, The Citizens Foundation; Mr. Ekhlaque Ahmed (REACH); Dr. Kiran (CPEC); Mr. Tahir Javid, CEO, The Hunar Foundation (THF); Ms. Rubina Faryal Asif, Founder and President, Al Furqan Welfare Organization (AFWO); Mr. Pervaiz Afaq (Eduverse Solution); and Ms. Rubina Naqvi, Senior Manager, Membership Network, Teachers’ Resource Centre (TRC).
On Day 2 of ICE 2025 a panel session on School Curriculum (CIRCLE) was held with panelists including: Danish Farooqui, Farah Durrani, Nancy Lobo, Mona D’silva, Henna Ahmed, Syed Mir Syed and Tasneem Shabbar.
Workshops for teachers were also conducted on Day 2 that included: Teaching Beyond Borders: Decolonizing Classroom Practices facilitated by Ms. Gillian Rodrigues; From Play to Purpose: Integrating Curriculum for Holistic Early Learning facilitated by Ms. Amna Hussain; Social and Emotional Learning in Schools facilitated by Dr. Sana Sadia; AI in Education facilitated by Ms. Faiqa; and Leading Beyond Titles: The Power of Lateral Leadership facilitated by Ms. Seema Khalid.
Workshop for Researchers that were held were: Developing a Theoretical/Conceptual Framework for Research facilitated by Dr. Meher Rizvi (Associate Professor); Beyond Either-Or: Applying Mixed Methods for Educational Research facilitated by Dr. Sharik Zamir (Assistant Professor); Structural Equation Modeling using SmartPLS facilitated by Dr. Shahnawaz Adil; Developing a Research Proposal: Concepts, Structure & Academic Rigor co-facilitated by Dr. Kiran Hashmi (HoD Education Department, IoBM) and Dr. Fozia Gulab (Assistant Professor, IoBM); and Designing a Data Collection Tool for Research Degrees i.e., MS / MPhil / PhD degrees facilitated by Dr Zafarullah Sahito. Day 2 of ICE 2025 also saw Dr. Melissa in conversation during an online session that was facilitated by Dr. Diana Ambrose followed by a unique Two Minute MPhil/PhD Challenge that was facilitated by Ms. Munnaza Salman.
On Day 2 of ICE 2025 a panel session on School Curriculum (CIRCLE) was held with panelists including: Danish Farooqui, Farah Durrani, Nancy Lobo, Mona D’silva, Henna Ahmed, Syed Mir Syed and Tasneem Shabbar.
Workshops for teachers were also conducted including: Teaching Beyond Borders: Decolonizing Classroom Practices facilitated by Ms. Gillian Rodrigues; From Play to Purpose: Integrating Curriculum for Holistic Early Learning facilitated by Ms. Amna Hussain; Social and Emotional Learning in Schools facilitated by Dr. Sana Sadia; AI in Education facilitated by Ms. Faiqa; and Leading Beyond Titles: The Power of Lateral Leadership facilitated by Ms. Seema Khalid.
Workshop for Researchers that were held were: Developing a Theoretical/Conceptual Framework for Research facilitated by Dr. Meher Rizvi (Associate Professor); Beyond Either-Or: Applying Mixed Methods for Educational Research facilitated by Dr. Sharik Zamir (Assistant Professor); Structural Equation Modeling using SmartPLS facilitated by Dr. Shahnawaz Adil; Developing a Research Proposal: Concepts, Structure & Academic Rigor co-facilitated by Dr. Kiran Hashmi (HoD Education Department, IoBM) and Dr. Fozia Gulab (Assistant Professor, IoBM); and Designing a Data Collection Tool for Research Degrees i.e., MS / MPhil / PhD degrees facilitated by Dr Zafarullah Sahito. Day 2 of ICE 2025 also saw Dr. Melissa in conversation over ZOOM that was facilitated by Dr. Diana Ambrose followed by a unique Two Minute MPhil/PhD Challenge that was facilitated by Ms. Munnaza Salman.
The Conference concluded with a note of sincere appreciation and gratitude to all distinguished speakers and members of the organizing team for their collective efforts and commitment in making the event a success.
