Aisha: It aligns closely with our strategic plan, which prioritizes empowering students and amplifying their voices. When students have a seat at the table, they bring fresh perspectives and a sense of ownership that’s transformative—not just for them, but for the entire school community. Watching them step into leadership roles has been incredibly inspiring. As someone who has lived in different places and navigated the complexities of identity, I understand how important it is to create spaces where everyone feels they belong—especially our students.

Aisha: We have 75 minutes, which is a great amount of time to really dive in. I’ll start by setting the context—how these initiatives align with our school’s strategic goals and why we have focused on giving students leadership roles. Then, the students will take over. They will share their projects, talk about their successes and challenges, and highlight what these initiatives have meant for them. It’s a hands-on blueprint for student empowerment.

Aisha: We want it to be more than just a presentation. After the students share their work, there will be time for participants to reflect on what they have heard and think about how to apply these ideas in their own contexts. Reflection is key—it’s where the real magic happens. We want participants to leave inspired and equipped with actionable steps to bring student leadership into their own schools.

Aisha: I’m a huge fan of WAB! The school has such a strong reputation for innovation, and the fact that they are hosting #FOEN25 is no surprise. I admire how they constantly push boundaries in education and create spaces where students and educators can thrive. WAB sets a benchmark for innovation and inclusion, making it the perfect host for #FOEN25. Their approach mirrors the work we are doing with our students, and I am thrilled to contribute to this forward-thinking community.

Aisha: #FOEN25 is more than a conference; it’s a transformative experience. For students, it’s an opportunity to showcase their leadership and learn from their peers across the globe. They will see firsthand how other students are driving change, which can be incredibly motivating. For schools, bringing students highlights the value of empowering the next generation and sends a clear message: their voices matter. Attending together fosters collaboration, sparks new ideas, and creates momentum for real innovation once they are back in their own schools.

Aisha: I hope they leave feeling inspired by what students can achieve when given the chance to lead. This is about showing that students are capable of driving meaningful innovation. My hope is that educators walk away asking themselves, “How can we create more spaces for student leadership in our schools?”

Aisha: #FOEN25 is all about the future of education, and there’s no better way to explore that than by putting students front and centre. They are the future! I’m thrilled to bring our students’ stories to the festival and can’t wait to see how their work inspires others.