As we continue to navigate a time of immense change in education, we at the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) find ourselves reflecting deeply on the future of our schools and how we can better prepare our students for a world that demands new ways of thinking, learning, and living. Our most recent conference, held just a few weeks ago, was built around the theme “Vantages and Viewpoints,” a call to see and sense the systems we’re working within—both in our schools and in the broader world. But beyond the theme itself, the essence of our work is rooted in the idea that change, while necessary, must also be meaningful, purposeful, and deeply connected to the needs of our communities.
We are at a moment that has been described as a "polycrisis," where multiple, interconnected global challenges—economic, environmental, political, and social—are calling into question everything we’ve taken for granted in education. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Compass Framework has been a guide for us in how to navigate this terrain, shifting focus toward wellbeing and flourishing alongside academic achievement. This is not a simple revision of curriculum but a rethinking of how we teach, how we lead, and how we engage our students in the world they will inherit.
Our theme for this year’s Fall Leadership Conference held in Dubai, October 17-20, “Seeing and Sensing the System,” was born from these reflections. We knew that the work we were asking our schools to do couldn’t just be about abstract concepts—it had to be grounded in practical action, linked to real-world challenges, and designed to give our students both agency and the tools they need to navigate an uncertain future. The goal was to help educators not only understand these shifts in education but to feel them, to see where our systems are strong and where they need to change, and to take meaningful action to move forward.
To help bring this vision to life, we focused on four keynotes, each designed to tackle a different aspect of our collective journey:
Facing Our Teams: This session focused on leadership and how we can leverage our senior leadership teams for more effective collaboration. Using Patrick Lencioni's Table Group framework, Sophie Dummer and Joe Kay led us in a discussion about the leadership advantage of strong, cohesive teams.
Facing Conflict: In today’s world, conflict is inevitable, but how we approach it can make all the difference. Nicole Furlonge, from the Klingenstein Center, spoke about deep listening and its role as a leadership skill—particularly when navigating the complexities of a polycrisis. Her message on how leaders can use listening to manage conflict resonated deeply with our attendees.
Facing Our Planet: We believe that education must evolve to address the environmental crises we face. The third day of our conference focused on regenerative education, where we explored how schools can integrate sustainability into the curriculum and everyday practice. The panel, moderated by Elin Kelsey, featured experts in environmental science, student activism, and regenerative education, and together they offered compelling arguments for giving students the agency to address the climate crisis through real-time problem solving.
Facing Ourselves: The final keynote looked inward, exploring the critical role of personal reflection and development in leadership. Kim Cofino’s session on coaching cultures gave us the tools to look within ourselves as leaders and educators, helping us to reflect on how we can best support our schools and our students during these challenging times.
A key part of our approach at NESA has always been to emphasize sharing the journey. This isn’t just about presenting polished case studies; it’s about creating a space where schools can share their challenges, successes, and lessons learned from trying to implement the ideas presented at the conference. One of the highlights of our conference was the Sharing the Journey workshops, led by our member schools. These sessions provided a chance for schools to showcase the practical, on-the-ground work they are doing—often with unexpected challenges and blind spots—and to learn from each other in an open and supportive environment.
What’s inspiring to me is seeing how these ideas are being implemented in real time. The schools who come to NESA’s conferences are not just taking home new ideas—they are taking action. They are sharing what they’ve learned, showing the growth and development of their initiatives, and reflecting on how they can continue to improve. I’m always inspired by their willingness to be vulnerable and honest about both their successes and their struggles. This transparency creates a culture of trust that I believe is critical for driving real change.
Looking ahead, we are already thinking about how to continue building on the work we’ve done this year. The themes we explored are not one-off conversations—they are part of an ongoing, evolving journey that will shape the future of education in the region. Next year’s Fall Leadership Conference will build on these themes, exploring how we can create systems that truly flourish—in our schools, in our communities, and in the world.
One of the ways we will continue to deepen our work is by focusing on four key areas that we’ve identified as central to our future direction:
Inclusion and Instructional Coherence: Our work will focus on creating inclusive schools, ensuring that all students, including those who are neurodiverse, have access to personalized pathways that foster belonging and high achievement. This is not just about addressing individual learning needs but about creating a learning environment that is truly equitable for all.
Wellbeing: The mental health and wellbeing of both students and educators will continue to be a central focus. We are living through a time of collective trauma and global crises, and our role as educators is to ensure that the wellbeing of our community remains strong, even as we address these challenges.
Leadership in the Digital Age: We are preparing our schools for the digital future, not just by embracing technology but by ensuring that our leaders are ready to navigate the complexities and challenges of the digital age. This includes developing digital literacy, understanding the risks of technology, and using it in a thoughtful, ethical way to enhance learning.
Regenerative Schools: We are committed to fostering schools that are not only sustainable but regenerative. Our Regenerative School Project has brought together schools to showcase how they are addressing the climate crisis, through curriculum, community initiatives, and student-led projects. This is an urgent, existential issue that requires bold, immediate action.
These are the pillars that will guide our work in the years to come. Our vision is clear: to create schools that are resilient, regenerative, and ready to meet the challenges of our time. And we are excited to continue the journey with our community of educators, leaders, and students.
As we look to next year’s Fall Leadership Conference, we are thrilled to announce that it will be hosted in Istanbul, a city that has long been a symbol of connection between cultures and ideas. It’s been over a decade since we last met there, and we can’t wait to bring together our community again in this vibrant and inspiring city.
Maddy Hewitt is the Executive Director of NESA.
