From preparing graduates for an AI-driven workforce to reimagining what happens inside classrooms, the 36th Elets World Education Summit (WES) 2026 brought education’s most pressing questions into one room. Held on 12–13 October at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, the summit concluded successfully, bringing together policymakers, academic leaders, global educators and industry innovators for two days of dialogue and engagement.
Organised by Elets Technomedia, with Digital Learning Magazine as Knowledge Partner, the summit centred on “Building a Future-Ready Global Education Ecosystem.” Its dedicated Higher Education and School Education tracks, complemented by exclusive roundtables, connected policy priorities with the practical challenges facing institutions.
The summit was Co-Presented by Pearson and Co-Powered by CK-12 Foundation and Efekta Education. Elets Technomedia thanks all partners, exhibitors, speakers and attendees whose participation contributed to the success of this edition.
Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder & CEO, Elets Technomedia and Editor-in-Chief, Digital Learning Magazine, laid the foundation for a collaborative platform that brings policymakers, academic leaders and industry innovators together to shape a future-ready global education ecosystem.
Policy Voices help Set the Direction
Government and policy perspectives placed education’s role in national development, institutional capacity and future skills at the centre of the conversation.
The programme featured Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha; Prof. Gobardhan Das, Member, NITI Aayog; Dr. Hari Om, Principal Secretary, Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Prof. Pankaj Arora, Chairperson, National Council for Teacher Education; and Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director, Skill Education & Training, CBSE.
Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, called for India to draw on its intellectual heritage while strengthening its position in global knowledge creation. He highlighted India’s historical contribution to global learning, referring to institutions such as Pushpagiri University and the intellectual traditions preserved through ancient texts and manuscripts. He emphasised four priorities for India’s knowledge-led future: Innovation, Inclusion, Integration and Influence.
Prof. Gobardhan Das, Member, NITI Aayog, underlined the importance of India’s educational heritage, scientific capabilities and human potential in shaping the country’s future. He pointed to India’s expanding higher education ecosystem, which includes approximately 4.5 crore students, and the ambition to raise the Gross Enrolment Ratio from around 30% to 50%.
Shashank Shah, Director, Senior Specialist – Higher Education, NITI Aayog, placed human capital at the centre of India’s long-term development vision.
Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director, Skill Education & Training, CBSE, highlighted the distinction between having policy frameworks in place and ensuring that institutions can implement them effectively.
The discussion also brought employability and practical skills into focus. Dr. Hari Om, Principal Secretary, Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, called for stronger connections between education and industry. His address highlighted the need to expand apprenticeship opportunities, strengthen vocational education and prepare learners for emerging fields, including AI and green jobs.
Shaping Education Through Leadership, Learning and AI
Leaders emphasised empowering educators, fostering independent thinking and integrating AI responsibly to build future-ready learners.
Prof. Pankaj Arora highlighted the importance of strengthening teacher capabilities and empowering educators to meet evolving learner needs and prepare students for future challenges.
Dr. Krishna Kant Pathak called for moving beyond rote learning towards curiosity, independent thinking and practical knowledge connected to everyday life and responsible decision-making.
Dr. Amarpal Singh, in his keynote, emphasised that AI must complement human intelligence, encouraging students to question, think independently and become future innovators and researchers.
Ira Singhal highlighted that AI can support innovation, but strong foundational knowledge and practical skills remain essential, with teachers continuing to play a central role in learning.
Big Questions Meet Institutional Experience
The higher education dialogue brought together distinguished academic voices, including Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIM Ahmedabad; Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar; Prof. Ashok Banerjee, Director, IIM Udaipur; Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities; Prof. Ammar Kaka, Pro Vice Chancellor & President, Curtin University Dubai; and Prof. Padmakumar Nair, Vice Chancellor, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology.
Conversations explored AI in education, graduate employability, online degrees, global campuses, research innovation and educator development. Across these themes, the focus remained on how institutions can translate emerging possibilities into stronger learning experiences and relevant opportunities for students.
The School Education track added perspectives from Dr. Tim Hughes of Bloom Education, Dr. Brian Irving of Trio World Academy, Orin Stephney of Lancers International School and Raghav Podar of Podar Education, alongside other school leaders.
Their discussions examined how schools can embrace technological change while nurturing the curiosity, creativity, judgement and human relationships that underpin meaningful learning.
World Education Awards Celebrate the People Moving Education Forward
The World Education Awards 2026 brought a celebratory dimension to the summit, recognising institutions, educators and innovators working to advance education.
The ceremony placed the spotlight on the commitment behind educational progress, the leadership that drives institutional change, the ideas that strengthen learning and the sustained effort that turns ambition into practice.
The launch of a special issue of Digital Learning Magazine further enriched the summit, bringing institutional perspectives and stories of transformation into the wider education conversation.
A little Illusion, A lot of Connection
The conversations continued beyond the conference halls during a special performance by Sumit Kharbanda, Illusionist, Mind Reader and iPad Magician, followed by the networking dinner.
The evening added a memorable close to a day of intensive dialogue, combining entertainment with opportunities to build relationships across institutions, sectors and countries.
Also Read: Education’s next chapter takes centre stage at 36th Elets World Education Summit 2026 in New Delhi
From New Delhi to Dubai
With its blend of leadership dialogue, recognition and networking, the 36th Elets World Education Summit 2026 wrapped up on a high note. Its success reflected the contribution of a diverse education community united by a shared interest in improving learning and preparing institutions for the future.
The journey now moves to Dubai, where the 37th Elets World Education Summit will take place on 17–18 March 2027, continuing the exchange of ideas across borders.
See you at the next edition of WES in Dubai.
Register at educationsummit.com.
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