Experts gathered on Friday at the OxfordAQA School Leaders’ Conference in Lahore to shed light on the importance of education in nurturing future leaders and providing opportunities to students.

The event brought together educators, thought leaders and policymakers to explore the evolving global landscape of teaching and learning, and how Pakistan stands to benefit, said a press release. “The conference became a confluence of innovation, collaborative leadership, and global best practices in education.”

Oxford University Press Pakistan Managing Director Arshad Saeed Husain, along with OxfordAQA Pakistan Director Salma Adil, welcomed the guests. The significance of transformative leadership in education was underscored.

OxfordAQA International Qualifications Managing Director Andrew Coombe and Aitchison College Principal Dr Turab Hussain delivered the keynote addresses. They “set the tone for the day with thought-provoking insights” into leadership and change in education.

A presentation by OxfordAQA International Development Manager Eoin MacGabhann highlighted the significance of world-class assessment design in upholding integrity and fairness in education. Beaconhouse National University Vice Chancellor Dr Moeed Yusuf spoke on collaborative leadership, emphasising the importance of partnerships in enriching the higher education with research and investigative tools to “broaden the horizon.”

While referring to OxfordAQA’s commitment towards equitable learning opportunities, Husain said: “Education is about nurturing future leaders who will shape tomorrow’s world. At OxfordAQA, we understand that every qualification we deliver represents a student’s dreams and potential.”

He went on to add that the institution’s commitment to excellence and fairness “is not just about maintaining standards; it’s about opening doors of opportunity across the globe.”

Coombe elaborated on the changing paradigm in education. “Innovation in teaching and learning is not just about adapting to change; it is about leading it,” he said.

“At OxfordAQA, we pride ourselves on designing qualifications and assessments that meet the highest global standards so that our students will go on to thrive in higher education and be well equipped for the careers of tomorrow.”

At the event, Salma Adil said: “We are delighted to host the School Leaders’ Conferences in Lahore, followed by Islamabad and Karachi.”

She added that such events aim to unite dedicated educators from across the world and provide an opportunity to engage with them. “As OxfordAQA Pakistan, we are committed to supporting schools in their mission to provide high-quality education and fostering an environment where students can excel.”

The conference featured many sessions; the panel discussion on innovation in teaching and learning, was moderated by Dr Faisal Bari, the former LUMS School of Education dean while a round table with school leaders was moderated by Neda Mulji, the senior manager at Professional Development Oxford University Press, Pakistan, and explored strategies and digital technology.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, featuring panelists from OxfordAQA, including Theresa Crisham-Nimmo, the marketing head; Amanda Ingram, the director of exams at the British Council Pakistan; and other senior leaders.

While drawing education leaders and school principals from Lahore’s leading academic institutions, “the OxfordAQA School Leaders’ Conference proved to be a reaffirmation of its commitment to empowering educators with tools, insights, and strategies to best optimize the potential of educational leadership and the change that it drives.”