The Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) 2025 Conference, held in Chicago from March 22-26, brought together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss the transformative impact of technological advancements on education. The theme for this year, "Envisioning Education in a Digital Society," examined how emerging technologies are reshaping education systems, the future of work, and society. While these innovations offer new learning opportunities, they also bring challenges, including issues with technology adoption, ethical concerns, and the growing digital divide. 

Throughout the conference, thought leaders and experts engaged in critical discussions on these key topics, with the Global Campaign for Education-US (GCE-US) and its coalition members contributing valuable insights into education, inclusion, and equity. 

GCE-US at CIES 2025

GCE-US Senior Fellow Maha Shoaib presented at the conference alongside Dr. Frank Adamson, sharing a policy brief titled "Demystifying Education Public-Private Partnerships: What Every Policymaker Should Know." Co-authored by members of the Privatization in Education and Human Rights Consortium (PEHRC) and endorsed by over 50 international organizations, the brief critically examined Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in education. PPPs, often promoted as innovative solutions to educational challenges, were shown to exacerbate inequality by prioritizing commercial interests over quality and access, ultimately deepening the digital divide. This session highlighted the risks PPPs pose to public education systems and proposed alternative strategies to strengthen free, high-quality public education, aligning with the broader goals of equity and inclusion in a rapidly evolving digital world. 

Coalition Member Highlights 

Several GCE-US coalition members also played an active role in the conference, presenting their latest research and innovations: 

• Building Tomorrow emphasized the power of implementation research and data to enhance learning outcomes. Their Chief Education Officer Whitney Warren discussed ways to optimize education interventions through research, while Grants Manager Luke Tyburski shared insights on their community-powered remedial education model, led by their Community Education Team. 

• Sightsavers focused on inclusive education and the digital divide, exploring the barriers faced by children with disabilities. Their sessions examined continuous professional development for teachers in Uganda, the role of technology in bridging education gaps, and the impact of disability on education access in low- and middle-income countries. They also highlighted research on documentary photography as a tool for showcasing inclusive education challenges in Kenya, findings from Pakistan’s Annual School Census on disability data collection, and efforts to combat school-related gender-based violence in Sierra Leone. 

• Childhood Education International presented on early childhood development, displaced educators, and digital learning. Their research explored how business networks support early childhood development, pathways for displaced educators to re-enter the workforce, and technology’s role in fostering inclusion and social-emotional learning in Serbia. 

• World Vision contributed to key discussions on education leadership, literacy, and technology-driven teacher training. Their sessions examined collective action for education reform in Zambia and the Dominican Republic, the transformative role of book corners and libraries in improving literacy, and the use of information and communication technologies to enhance equity in teacher professional learning. 

A Collective Vision for the Future 

CIES 2025 provided a dynamic platform for critical engagement, collaboration, and innovation within the education community. The conference fostered meaningful discussions on the opportunities and challenges presented by digital transformations in education. Beyond technology, conversations also explored the current state of international education funding and the future of global basic education. The global education community remains hopeful that through collective efforts and cross-sector engagement, the vision of Education for All can be realized—ensuring that no learner is left behind in an increasingly digital world. 

🔗 Learn more about the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) here: https://cies.us