“Future of Learning” Forum: Innovation in Education and International Experience Exchange

“Future of Learning” Forum: Innovation in Education and International Experience Exchange

On June 21, 2025, the “Future of Learning” forum was successfully held at Azerbaijan University of Languages. The forum was co-organized by Azerbaijan University of Languages, Hedef Lyceum – STARS Campus, Eastern Mediterranean University, EDUHEK (Education Technology and Consulting), and ELTA (English Language Teaching Assessment), with the partnership of Hi Languages, e-School, and Nasiba Aydın Yıldızlar School.

More than 350 participants attended the forum. Organized in the context of global changes in education, the event served as a significant platform for presenting modern educational innovations and sharing international experiences.

The event began with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, performed by Hedef Lyceum’s young talent Inci Sadigzade. During the opening ceremony, welcoming speeches were delivered by Shamil Sadig, CEO of Hedef Companies Group; Jala Garibova, Vice-Rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages; and Ercüment Özayan, Head of EDUCO Group.

The main goal of the forum was to inform participants about the latest innovations in education, advanced methods in foreign language teaching, and international programs, while also supporting the professional development of teachers. There was extensive exchange of experience on bilingual teaching approaches, organization of international exams, and implementation of methods aligned with international education standards.

Although the primary target audience was English language teachers, other subject teachers, school administrators, and education professionals also actively participated.

Speakers included education expert and UN Global Schools Program mentor Burcu Önder Gürpınar, Executive Director of the European Azerbaijan School and Chair of the Caucasus & Central Asia IB Association Francesco Banchini, Executive Director of the Modern Educational Complex named after Heydar Aliyev Tural Abbasov Ed.M., Professor of Eastern Mediterranean University Cavanşir Shibliyev, Executive Director of Hedef Stars Campus and EdTech specialist Şemsettin Beşer, Senior Advisor of the State Examination Center Elnara Taghiyeva, Senior Lecturer and Internationally Certified Trainer at Azerbaijan University of Languages Aynur Asgarzade, and IB education trainer, PYP expert and mentor Ebru Hezen.

Presentations were delivered on topics such as “The Magical Power of Bilingual Education in English Language Teaching,” “Rethink, Reform, Revolutionise,” “Intercultural Skills within the Cambridge Global Perspectives Curriculum,” “Artificial Intelligence in Education,” “The Impact of AI on Foreign Language Learning,” “International Exams,” “Active Participation as a Catalyst for Effective English Language Acquisition,” and “Classrooms Opening to the World: IB and Global Awareness.” All sessions and presentations were conducted in English.

It was announced that books would be donated to the library of Karabakh University on behalf of the forum’s esteemed speakers and participants. In appreciation of their contributions to this meaningful initiative, speakers were presented with certificates of gratitude and a commemorative book about Karabakh.

Forum participants received practical guides, methodological materials, and textbooks on English language teaching from Hedef Publications and Sinkod. Additionally, teachers from Nakhchivan University and Karabakh University, as well as educators from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan who joined online, were granted free access to the forum to support their professional development. This initiative holds special significance in strengthening regional and international cooperation in education.

The “Future of Learning” forum became an important platform for those who wish to follow innovations in education, learn from international experiences, and apply them in practice.