Applications are now open for the Summer 2026 AEL Forum. The Forum theme is “Transforming Education in Asia-Pacific for a Changing World” and will be held online from 10:00-12:30 on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The Asia-Pacific region faces a range of interconnected challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, health crises, persistent inequalities, armed conflicts, technological disruption, and economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, rapid technological advances, increasing mobility, and growing cultural diversity are reshaping how teachers and learners experience education. In this rapidly changing context, how can education enable countries across the region to strengthen their roles in the international community and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals?

This forum brings together academics, researchers, and students from across national and cultural borders to exchange perspectives and explore how countries and educational communities can learn from one another. Drawing on comparative, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary perspectives, the forum encourages academics and scholars to share critical perspectives and creative ideas in addressing complex educational challenges, while stimulating respectful dialogue across diverse contexts.

The 2026 AELC Summer Forum provides an exceptional opportunity to build new networks and facilitate partnerships across national and disciplinary boundaries. Young scholars are particularly encouraged to contribute their research and perspectives on the future of education in the Asia-Pacific.

Proposal or paper submissions are invited on the following themes:

• Education policy and administration

• Global and international education

• Pedagogical approaches

• Technology and education

• Inclusive education and lifelong learning

• Educational psychology

• Teacher education

Proposal presentations describe proposed research or research in progress in the pre-data-collection phase. Proposal presentations will be 15 minutes with a 10-minute Q&A.

Paper presentations describe completed research papers, including findings, discussion and conclusion. Paper presentations will be 20 minutes with a 10- minute Q&A.

• Application link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=KulI-PplKUey5urGZ90bw1JGM6PY5ddDkKod4fNQZCJUNlFJUTM1VzgxMDZYQ0dFR05RSUFBUFpJUS4u&route=shorturl

• Application deadline: September 4, 2026 (Friday)

We particularly encourage students to develop ideas and insights gained through the AELC Summer Course into topics for presentation at the Forum. Both individual and group presentations are welcome, providing opportunities for participants to share diverse perspectives through collaborative learning and discussion.

The Forum is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from universities participating in the Asia Education Leader Programme and beyond. Participation in the AEL Programme is NOT a prerequisite for joining the Forum. 

We warmly invite you to apply and look forward to your participation!