ICSEI 2023 was held in Chile, and like the rest of the world, it faced the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing the population to adapt to a new reality where work, study, and daily interactions occurred virtually under extensive lockdowns and social distancing. The effects of school closures in Chile and other countries are now being researched, requiring a global, collaborative, and multidisciplinary approach to understand them fully. Covid-19 accelerated the need to create, test, and apply new solutions for a changing and unpredictable world, compelling education professionals to learn how to meet these challenges.

In this uncertain context, many challenges for the educational system had to be confronted, especially in a country with disparate realities reflected in the educational system. The system was marked by differences between public and private schools, rural and urban areas, and students with varying parental education levels. Additionally, differences in technological access and communication difficulties resulted in disparate needs among educational communities. Addressing these challenges required innovation and a systemic perspective on inequality.

Adapting to the new reality was not enough; envisioning new possibilities was essential. This involved working locally from a global perspective and collaborating across countries with educational communities to identify solutions that responded to local demands. Only then could an education be delivered where all students could engage in meeting the needs of the 21st century.