Session 1: Rethinking Formal Education – Recalibrating Strategies for a Lifetime of Opportunities

Apr 28, 2026 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Rixos Tersane hotel plenary room

Description

Population ageing, combined with significant developments in technology and the green transition, is challenging traditional models of formal education. Individuals are living, learning and working for longer, even while the twin transitions are transforming how we teach, learn and work. Yet many students leave formal education without a strong foundation of skills for productive work and lifelong learning. It is critical to adapt existing education models to these challenges, while meeting the needs of students at different levels of education. This requires strengthening the ability of educators to equip students with a broad and evolving set of skills, knowledge and attitudes, especially in the context of artificial intelligence. This session will explore how formal education systems (early childhood, school, vocational and higher education) should adapt to equip students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to navigate the megatrends and become lifelong learners. This includes reforming curricula, strengthening teaching workforces and reallocating educational investments and infrastructure. Discussions will focus on co-operation and good-practices for recalibrating models of formal education for a lifetime of opportunities. Discussion questions could include:
  • How can curricula across all levels of formal education (pre-school, school, vocational and higher education) be reformed to equip young people with a strong foundation of skills, including those aligned with labour market needs?
  • How can the teaching profession be made more attractive, and how can teachers be better prepared to implement modern curricula, apply effective pedagogy and integrate AI tools into their practice?
  • How can countries optimise educational investments to manage costs, make effective use of infrastructure, and improve learning outcomes in the context of declining student enrolment?
  • How can cross-country cooperation be improved to foster the development of innovative education models?
Format
  • Opening presentations: Ms. Celile Eren ÖKTEN, Deputy Minister of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye Mr. Andreas SCHLEICHER, OECD Director for Education and Skills
  • Plenary discussion co-chaired by Ms. Celile Eren ÖKTEN, Deputy Minister of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye and Mr. Andreas SCHLEICHER, OECD Director for Education and Skills