Programme
Programme
15th ISTP Preliminary programme
Pre-Summit - Monday 24 March 2025
Registration/hospitality desk open from 08:00 - 15:00
09:00 – 09:45 Icelandic education system and policy
Recent developments in Icelandic education system and policy – setting the scene for the school visits
10:00 – 11:45 School visits
12:00 – 13:00 Buffet lunch
13:15 – 15:00 Pre-summit seminar
Exploring the frontiers of AI in education. View programme below.
15:15 – 17:00 ISTP briefing by EI and KÍ
ISTP briefing by Education International and the Icelandic Teachers’ Union on the programme and the main topics of the Summit
19:30 – 21:30 Welcome reception
Welcome reception for all participants
Summit - Tuesday 25 March 2025
Registration/hospitality desk open from 08:30 - 17:30
08:45 – 09:15 Morning reception
Morning reception for Ministers and Union leaders
09:30 – 11:30 Opening session – (Open to the media)
11:45 – 12:00 Family photo
12:00 – 13:00 Buffet lunch
13:00 – 15:00 Session 1:
Building a Foundation for Equitable and Inclusive Education: The role of high-quality early childhood education and care
15:00 – 15:15 Refreshments
15:15 – 17:15 Session 2:
Supporting Educators to Foster Equity and Well-being: How well-established services enable educators to promote inclusive, supportive learning environments
17:30 – Optional bus transport to conference hotels
19:30 – 21:30 Ministerial dinner
19:30 – 21:30 Trade union leaders event
Summit - Wednesday 26 March 2025
Registration/hospitality desk open from 08:30 - 16:00
09:00 – 11:00 Session 3:
The Educator’s Role in Child-Centred Education Systems: Empowering young people to actively participate in shaping their futures
11:00 – 12:00 Working session / Country delegations’ meetings
11:30 – 12:00 Press conference
12:00 – 13:00 Ministerial and Trade union leaders’ lunch / Buffet lunch for delegates
13:00 – 15:00 Closing session (Open to the media)
Optional excursions (View information below)
Preliminary programme for EI Affiliates only
Sunday 23 March 2025
18:00 – 20:00 Welcome Reception
Informal welcome reception for EI delegates, hosted by the Icelandic Teachers Union at The Ladies’ School (Gamli Kvennaskólinn), Thorvaldsensstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík. Canapés and wine in a historic setting, the old Ladies’ School, a wooden building that dates back to the 19th century and housed Iceland’s first girls’ secondary school.
Monday 24 March 2025
15:15 – 17:00 ISTP briefing by EI and KÍ
ISTP briefing by Education International and the Icelandic Teachers’ Union on the programme and the main topics of the Summit at Harpa – 2nd floor Norðurljós
Summit Day 1 - Tuesday 25 March 2025
19:30 – 21:30 Union Leaders Event
Trade union leaders event hosted by the Icelandic Teachers’ Union at UPPI, located above The Fish Market, Aðalstræti 12, 101 Reykjavík. Light dinner and drinks.
Streaming of Opening and closing sessions
25 March - Opening session
26 March - Closing session
Venue
Harpa is one of Reykjavík’s most striking landmarks and a centre of cultural and social life in the very heart of the city. Harpa is a tourist destination and an award-winning work of art that has been visited by millions of people since opening in 2011.
Meeting rooms for bilateral meetings are available.
Pre-Summit seminar as part of the pre-summit programme
Exploring the frontiers of aI in education
The OECD and Education International jointly developed a discussion paper on Opportunities, Guidelines and Guardrails for the use of AI In Education (the “guidelines”) as an input to ISTP 2023 discussions. Following stakeholder consultations, the OECD published the guidelines in December 2023.
This pre-summit seminar aims to convene a discussion about how far AI in education has advanced since the guidelines were developed, and to assess how to adapt the guidelines to meet the new reality. While generative AI had already emerged at the time of the first guidelines it has since become much more prominent, and a question would also be whether specific guidelines on the use of generative AI should be developed as a follow-up.
To encourage an open exchange, delegations are asked to spread out among the tables.
Agenda
| 13:15-13:17 | Introduction by the Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister of Iceland |
| 13:17-13:27 | Scene-setting from Andreas Schleicher, OECD |
| 13:27-13:37 | Scene-setting from Randi Weingarten, Education International |
| 13:37-14:20 |
Small group discussions
Each table will be invited to examine one of the guidelines & guardrails, using the guiding questions: • How has your country followed this guideline? • What are some of the challenges of implementing this guideline, and why? • If we were to develop a new version of the guidelines and guardrails, what should we focus on? • Where do countries see value in further work at the international level on AI in education?
Groups are also encouraged to discuss the guidelines more broadly, focusing on which of the guidelines they have used, which needs updating, and which new guidelines could be needed. |
| 14:20-14:55 |
Facilitated open discussion
The moderator will reconvene all groups facilitate an open discussion. |
| 14:55-15:00 | Final remarks by the moderator |
Optional excursions
Information about the optional excursions 26 march
Wednesday 26 March 2025
Visit to the Icelandic Parliament (Althingi)
ISTP 2025 guest are invited to visit the Icelandic Parliament (Althingi). The tour lasts 45–60 minutes and provides insights into the history, functions, and daily operations of the Parliament.
Departure from Harpa: at 15:45 (on foot)
Duration: 45 – 60 min.
Free of charge
Max. participants: 30
Wednesday 26 March 2025
Sky Lagoon – Where the Sea meets the Sky
Experience the Heart of Icelandic Tradition Minutes from the City Centre.
This popular package includes the Sky Lagoon’s signature Skjól ritual and access to public changing facilities. Relax in the oceanside geothermal lagoon and immerse yourself in a sensory journey powered by the elements of nature.
Departure from Harpa: at 16:00
Price: ISK 17.000 (incl. bus transfer and entrance to the Sky-Lagoon)
Min. participants: 20
Wednesday 26 March 2025
Discover Iceland’s Volcanic Power – Exclusive Tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula
Join us for an unforgettable journey through Iceland’s most active volcanic region, the Reykjanes Peninsula. Over the past three years, this area, just east of the famous Blue Lagoon, has experienced 10 eruptions, reshaping the landscape and offering a rare opportunity to witness the forces of nature up close.
Beyond the science, this adventure is rich in folklore and history. You’ll visit stunning scenic viewpoints, explore bubbling hot springs and craters, and hear captivating stories of Vikings, trolls, and legendary local figures.
16:00 – Pickup & Scenic Drive
Depart from Reykjavik and journey along the Reykjanes Peninsula, you’ll travel through the otherworldly, moon-like landscapes, learning about the region’s explosive past and what the future may hold. as your expert guide provides fascinating insights into the region’s volcanic activity and geology.
17:00 – Exclusive Presentation at HS Orka
Enjoy a special behind-the-scenes presentation from the spokesperson of HS Orka, Iceland’s leading geothermal energy company. Learn about their efforts to manage the impact of recent eruptions and harness the power of nature.
18:00 – Crater Hike in Stapahraun (if accessible)
Stop at a dramatic crater in the Stapahraun lava field for a short hike, taking in the raw beauty of Iceland’s volcanic terrain before heading to the fishing village of Grindavík.
19:00 – Cozy Soup Break at the Blue Lagoon
Warm up with a delicious bowl of soup at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal wonders.
19:45 – Return Drive via Seltún Geothermal Area
On the way back to Reykjavik, stop to explore Seltún, a striking geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles.
21:00 – Arrival at Your Hotel in Reykjavik
Conclude your adventure with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel, after an evening filled with discovery, adventure, and Icelandic hospitality.
Departure from Harpa: at 16:00
Duration: 5 hours
Price: ISK 24.000 (incl. guided bus tour and soup at the Blue Lagoon)
Min. participants: 11 / Max. participants: 25
