IB Global Conference 2025 Singapore Reflection: Stuart Ablitt, Hills International College

I recently had the privilege of attending the IB Global Conference in Singapore, and I’m still thinking about it. This year’s theme, Our Humanity, Connected, was extremely fitting. Over three days at Suntec, surrounded by educators from around the world, I was reminded of just how powerful it is when people come together around a shared purpose: to support young people to grow into compassionate, capable, and curious global citizens.

There was something energising about the whole experience — from the buzz in individual workshops to the conversations between sessions and the practical ideas I’ve brought back with me. What stood out most was the strong focus on what it means to be human in education. The sessions I attended touched on everything from personalising learning through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), to navigating the role of AI in classrooms, to leading with clarity and care, to prioritising wellbeing for both students and educators.

The UDL sessions were especially thought-provoking. I’ve always believed in meeting learners where they’re at, but UDL gave me a deeper lens to look through. It’s not just about differentiation — it’s about designing learning environments from the outset that recognise and embrace the diversity of all learners. It made me reflect on how we can make learning more accessible, more inclusive, and ultimately more empowering for every student.

Like many educators, I arrived at the AI sessions with a mix of curiosity and caution. What I appreciated was the balanced discussion — yes, AI has potential, but it also comes with real questions around ethics, equity, and authenticity. What matters is that we, as educators, stay in the driver’s seat.

Wellbeing was another common thread — and rightly so. In a profession that gives so much, it was reassuring to hear wellbeing spoken about not as a nice extra, but as essential. It reminded me that when we look after our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of our communities, we’re in a far better position to create meaningful, lasting learning.

I also appreciated the chance to dive into programme developments for the PYP, particularly the new inquiry learning progressions and the upcoming subject-specific continuums that will replace the previous scope and sequence documents. The shift towards a more cohesive and flexible framework feels like an exciting step forward, especially in how it supports teacher autonomy and learner agency. Huge thanks to Christine Vice and Nikki Walsh for guiding us through these changes with such clarity and enthusiasm. Their session made what could have been a complex update feel purposeful, practical, and inspiring.

As someone who has recently joined the IB Educator Network (IBEN), I found the leadership sessions especially valuable. It was a chance to reflect on what effective leadership looks like within the IB context — not as a title or position, but as a way of thinking, listening, and supporting others. I really appreciated the honest conversations and practical advice shared by more experienced IBENs. Their openness and willingness to guide those of us who are new to the role made a big impact. There was a real sense of community — a recognition that we’re all working towards the same goal, and that mentoring and sharing experiences strengthens the network as a whole.

More than anything, though, the conference made me feel connected — to colleagues, to ideas, and to the bigger picture. Whether it was sharing a laugh with someone I’d only just met, or swapping school stories with someone on the same journey, there was this quiet reassurance that we’re not doing this work alone.

I left Singapore inspired but also grounded. Reassured that amidst all the change and complexity in education, what matters most hasn’t changed: connection, purpose, and people.

Stuart Ablitt

Deputy Head of Primary and Head of IB Programmes

Hills International College