MDPI Webinar | International Day of Education, 23 January 2026

To commemorate the International Day of Education 2026, MDPI is honoured to host a special webinar dedicated to advancing the future of education in an ever-changing world. This global observance reminds us of the essential role that education plays in promoting peace, sustainable development, and empowering individuals to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected society.

As education continues to evolve, new approaches, tools, and perspectives are reshaping how we teach, learn, and engage. Through this webinar, we aim to contribute to the global dialogue by bringing together researchers, educators, and practitioners to explore innovative ideas, emerging trends, and transformative research shaping the education landscape.

Join us as we celebrate the International Day of Education 2026, a moment to reflect, exchange ideas, and envision a future where education empowers every learner and strengthens communities worldwide.

Session 1:
Keywords: education; learning; teaching; access; educational equity; EdTech; critical thinking
Date: 23 January 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. CET | 9:00 p.m. AEST | 6:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 893 6942 9630
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/IDEW2026

Speaker/Presentation	Time in CET	Time in CST Asia
MDPI Introduction	11:00–11.10 a.m.	6:00–6:10 p.m.
Dr. Sherif Abdelhamid From Engagement to Empowerment: How Technology Can Transform Students’ Success	11.10–11.30 a.m.	6.10–6.30 p.m.
Prof. Dr. Albert Ziegler From Resources to Trajectories: Updating the Educational and Learning Capital Approach	11.30–11.50 a.m.	6:30–6:50 p.m.
Prof. Alison Kington Social Contracts in Schools: Power, Peers, and Pathways to Quality Education	11.50 a.m.– 12.10 p.m.	6:50–7.10 p.m.
Dr. Ben Looker Social Contracts in Schools: Power, Peers, and Pathways to Quality Education	12.10–12.30 p.m.	7.10–7.30 p.m.
Dr. Amy Been Bennett Experiences of Mathematics Faculty Engaging in Departmental Transformations to Support Students	12.30–12.50 p.m.	7:30–7:50 p.m.
Dr. Amira Elnokaly Staying Relevant in an AI-Driven World: How Innovation, Industry Engagement and Human Connection Can Transform Higher Education in the Digital Age	12.50–1.10 p.m.	7.50–8.10 p.m.
Q&A Session	1.10–1.30 p.m.	8.10–8.30 p.m.
Closing of Webinar	1.30–1.40 p.m.	8.30–8.40 p.m.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway, and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Webinar Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Sherif E. Abdelhamid, Computer and Information Sciences Department, Virginia Military Institute, USA;
Prof. Dr. Albert Ziegler, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Department of Psychology, Germany;
Prof. Alison Kington, University of Worcester, United Kingdom;
Dr. Ben Looker, University of Worcester, United Kingdom;
Dr. Amy Been Bennett, Center for Science, Mathematics, and Computer Education and the Department of Mathematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA;
Dr. Amira Elnokaly, School of Design and Architecture, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK.