Dr. Pasi Sahlberg

Abstract
The world for which many of today’s schools were designed is disappearing. Artificial intelligence is reshaping work, climate instability is altering lives, democratic norms are under pressure, and young people are growing up amid profound uncertainty. These shifts challenge the educational paradigm that has guided policy, reform, and school improvement for much of the past half-century. This keynote asks what schools are now for, and what they must become if young people are to be well, learn well, and flourish. It argues that effective schooling in the future will depend less on intensifying existing reforms than on renewing education around humanity, relationships, belonging, care, and lifelong flourishing. Drawing on promising examples from schools and education systems, the presentation shows that a new paradigm is not only necessary. It is already emerging.

Bio
Pasi Sahlberg is a Finnish educator, scholar, and internationally recognised thought leader in education. He began his career as a classroom teacher in Helsinki and has since worked as a teacher educator, senior policymaker, and adviser to governments and organisations on school reform and education system transformation. He has held academic and policy leadership roles in Finland, the United States, and Australia, and currently serves as Professor in Educational Leadership at the University of Melbourne. Pasi is the author of numerous scholarly articles and influential books, including Finnish Lessons, Let the Children Play, and In Teachers We Trust. His work is widely known for advancing educational change through equity, trust, and professionalism, and promoting creativity, play, and wellbeing as foundations for better education systems. He has received several international honours, including Finland’s Education Award, the Grawemeyer Award, the LEGO Prize, the Hedley Beare Award, and the Global Educator Award.