Beaconhouse, the country’s largest network of private educational institutions, has successfully concluded the 15th edition of its flagship ‘School of Tomorrow’ (SOT) conferences, themed ‘Guardians of the Future’.
The three-day conference hosted multiple insightful discussions with over 150 global and local thought leaders in education, healthcare, athletics, social and environmental development. Educationists, senior advisors, diplomats, policymakers, and experts from various fields came together to conclude this three-day event on a high note.
The opening session of the conference ‘Setting Directions for the World of Tomorrow’ explored topics and actions required to make this world a better place for future generations. Moderated by Kasim Kasuri, CEO of Beaconhouse Group, the panel included Cynthia Guyer, Dr John Siraj Blachford, Rashid Rana, and Dr Faisal Khan.
Mr Sean Covey, President of FranklinCovey Education and author of the acclaimed book ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens’, was interviewed by a group of students about the timeless habits that can help teenagers improve their self-image, build friendships, resist peer pressure, and achieve their goals. Furthermore, the discussion provided guidance for the next generation to not only realise their potential but also become effective leaders of tomorrow.
More than 40 sessions were held over three days that focused on building communities that value the rights of children and in doing so promote globally-minded, critical thinkers who will not only be future leaders but also contribute to making the world a peaceful place for everyone.
A prominent panel discussion titled, ‘Setting the Stage for Tomorrow’s School’, addressed the changing role of education and the nature of schools over the next 30 years and beyond. A clear consensus pointed towards a rapidly globalising economy for which a multi-skilled workforce is required – one that can learn and adapt, keep pace with, and anticipate progress in every field.
One of the sessions moderated by TV anchor Sidra Iqbal revolved around how economic, climate, and energy crises have laid gross inequalities across the globe in terms of resource and income distribution. In addition, the link between climate change, global degradation of the natural world, and the outbreak of new viral illnesses have been highlighted.
Speaking about the conference, Kasim Kasuri, Event Chair and CEO of Beaconhouse, said, “We are overwhelmed with the discussions and thought-provoking conversations that have taken place not only during but after the sessions amongst participants, delegates and speakers. These outcomes will undoubtedly inform the direction our schools and help our students become stronger and better prepared guardians of the future.”
The 15th SOT conference included prominent leaders including Yousaf Kerai, Dr. Ger Graus, Dr. Sara Baker, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Vaneeza Ahmed, Dr. Abdul Hameed, Wajahat Malik, Hira Yousafzai, Sanne Kanis and many more.
The conference also featured two unique exhibits including Classrooms of Tomorrow, an interactive space on the future of learning curated by Google and Beaconhouse EdTech, and Co-exist/Co-exit: the future was today – an immersive art experience curated by Rashid Rana and Risham Syed and presented by the School of Visual Arts & Design, Beaconhouse National University.
Continuing its association with SOT, United Bank Limited (UBL) is the lead sponsor for SOT XV for the third year in a row. Being a socially conscientious corporate citizen, UBL’s ideology revolves around having an affirmative and lasting impact on the communities it operates in. Therefore, this partnership is a testament to UBL’s constant support towards quality education and initiatives driven to create a more balanced and inclusive educational ecosystem in the country.
Other key sponsors include My BackPack, Emkay Books and Paramount Books.
