GNDE (Global Network of Deans of Education) Symposium Edinburgh, Wednesday 2 - Friday 4 September 2026 Through the GNDE Symposium theme, we aim to create an interdisciplinary space for critical reflection, dialogue and innovation. Participants will engage with key questions around how education can respond to and anticipate societal challenges - such as political pressures on education systems, workforce sustainability, and the evolving role of universities in preparing teachers for uncertain futures.The symposium will foreground the perspectives of those working directly in education and teacher education, while also connecting with policy and strategic voices shaping the wider educational ecosystem. We anticipate colleagues from UNESCO will participate, sharing global insights and themes during the event.A key feature of the symposium will be its collaborative ethos: encouraging participants to imagine new possibilities for education that are contextually responsive, ethically grounded, and future focused. By bringing together diverse expertise and experiences, the event aims to foster actionable insights and partnerships that advance both research and practice in the field. Programme Day 1 – Wednesday 2 September 2026 Schedule of day one 9:00–10:00am Registration & welcome refreshments 10:00–10:30am Opening ceremony 10:30–12:00pm Teacher Education and Education Futures in a Complex World – framing the questions 12:00–1:30pm Lunch & informal networking 1:30–3:00pm Provocations and discussions – dialogue / collaboration groups 3:00–3:30pm Coffee break 3:30–4:15pm Provocations panel 5:30–7:00 Welcome and networking event Day 2 – Thursday 3 September 2026 Schedule of day two 9:30–10:30am A core knowledge base for Teacher Education – do we need one? 10:30–11:00am Refreshments 11:00–12:30pm Innovation & Solutions Forum 12:30–1:30pm Lunch 1:30–3:00pm Teachers as lifelong learning educators 3:00–3:15pm Coffee break 3:15–4.00pm Future of Education Dialogues 7:30pm Symposium Dinner at Canopy Restaurant Day 3 – Friday 4 September 2026 Schedule of day three 9:00–10:30am GNDE’s Global Agenda – moving forward in partnership 10:30–11:00am Refreshments 11:00–12:30pm Synthesis and commitments 12:30–1:00pm Closing Ceremony 1:00–2:00pm Lunch Keynotes Speakers Speakers notes & bios + photos to be added Accommodation and transport Include list of hotels near venue and in centre + maps of the area + transport info from airport and how to get to venue Booking information Registration fee: £299Fee includes Lunch and refreshments each dayWelcome networking event on Wednesday 2 September in Godfrey Thomson's Hall, Holyrood campus, Edinburgh EH8 8AQDinner on Thursday 3 September at Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard, Edinburgh Future Institute, 1 Lauriston Place Edinburgh, EH3 9EFThe symposium will take place in Paterson's Land on Holyrood campus, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ If you are interested in attending the symposium please complete this form Note of interest This article was published on 2026-03-31
