The IB and IBSCA held their first joint conference to address future-readiness among students with a special focus on climate change and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The International Baccalaureate (IB) joined the IB Schools & Colleges Association (IBSCA) at London’s British Library on 28 February 2024. Their first joint conference, titled “Education for a Complex Future,” united school leaders and administrators from across the UK and other regions of the world. Together, they discussed best practices in the evolution of pedagogy, including topics on AI, climate change, and classroom digitization.
Richard Markham, chief executive of IBSCA, said, “The Conference comes at an important time in the discussion around challenges educators are facing. Initiating conversations, raising understanding and prompting action is important in facilitating a tangible response from the education sector.”
During the event, discussions centred around the recent polling research conducted by the IB, in which more than 2,000 UK students shared their perspective on topics like climate change or Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Among the results, just 22 per cent of student respondents believe their voices are listened to on climate change, and 55 per cent believe educators should spend more time in school discussing the climate emergency. Some 60 per cent of student respondents are “very worried” or “worried” about the climate crisis.
Nearly half (43 per cent) of young people who responded to the poll also said they had used Artificial Intelligence to help with their schoolwork. These findings underscore a need to listen more to students, and to address their concerns by providing more future-ready skills.
“As our environment becomes more complex, so must our cognitive capacity. A holistic education can be part of the solution for young people and for our societies,” said Olli-Pekka Heinonen, IB Director General.
Learn more about the IB’s commitment to addressing AI and climate change.
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