International Forum for Teachers (IFT) 2026 – From Knowing to Being: Preparing for a World Yet to Be Defined

Gateway Graduate School, in collaboration with Flinders University, Australia and OxfordAQA, presents the eighth International Forum for Teachers (IFT) on Saturday, 25th July 2026 at the BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka. This year’s theme, “From Knowing to Being: Preparing for a World Yet to Be Defined,” seeks to explore how education must prepare learners not for fixed outcomes, but for a future that is fluid, unpredictable, and constantly evolving. IFT 2026 calls for an approach to education that equips students to navigate uncertainty with confidence, think critically in unfamiliar situations, respond to change with resilience, and act with purpose. It encourages educators to move beyond the transfer of knowledge and towards the shaping of learners who can question, explore, adapt, create, and contribute meaningfully to the wider world. IFT remains a first of its kind initiative, open to all teachers from state, private, and international schools across Sri Lanka and the region. The Forum is driven by a mission to nurture world-class educators through global partnerships and shared expertise. It provides a dynamic platform to engage in professional dialogue, exchange pedagogical insights, and reflect on the evolving needs of education in the 21st century.

Theme Overview As the world continues to change in ways we cannot fully predict, education must help learners become not only knowledgeable, but thoughtful, adaptable, resilient, and purposeful.

The 2026 Forum will focus on how educators can:

Develop learners who can navigate, not just know – strengthening critical thinking, decision-making, and the ability to learn in changing contexts. Help students stay in charge in a digital world – promoting ethical, responsible, and mindful use of technology and AI. Build resilience for an uncertain world – developing adaptability, perseverance, emotional strength, and the confidence to face change. Encourage learners to shape the future – fostering creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and the ability to create positive change.

This year’s Forum aims to spark fresh conversations and inspire real-world change, helping educators prepare learners to transform uncertainty into opportunity and knowledge into purposeful action.

Featured Speakers: Dr. Carl Salt, Lecturer and Secondary Course Coordinator, Flinders University – An experienced educator and former senior school leader, Dr. Salt brings strong insight into educational leadership, curriculum development, teacher education, and helping learners stay in charge in a rapidly changing digital world. Penny Butterworth, Regional Professional Development Manager, Oxford University Press and OxfordAQA – A secondary education specialist and experienced teacher trainer, Penny supports schools globally through professional development in areas including wellbeing, sustainability, and effective teaching practice. Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, International Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach and World Champion of Public Speaking – A globally acclaimed speaker known for his powerful storytelling, Dananjaya will explore how learners can build the confidence and thinking skills needed to navigate uncertainty. Vidusha Nathavitharana and Shaakya Nathavitharana, Leadership, Learning and Youth Empowerment Practitioners – This father-daughter duo brings together experience in leadership development, communication, workplace readiness, and youth empowerment, offering practical insights on finding one’s path and shaping the future with confidence.

Distinguished Panellists: Thilanka Abeywardena, Security, Cloud & AI Integrated Marketing Lead – ASEAN, Microsoft– A respected leader in technology, marketing, and women’s economic empowerment, Thilanka brings insight into future-ready leadership, innovation, and growth in a changing world. Anudi Gunasekara, Miss Sri Lanka 2024 for Miss World and the founder of the Saheli Foundation – An advocate for dignity, equality, and women’s empowerment, Anudi brings a powerful example of how young people can act with purpose, challenge social barriers, and shape a more inclusive future. Janik Jayasuriya, Founder and Managing Director, Celeste – A young entrepreneur driving innovation in Sri Lanka’s digital retail and logistics sector, Janik brings a perspective on resilience, entrepreneurship, and future-focused leadership. Damith Wijayathunga, Actor, Model and Television Personality – Known for his versatility and strong screen presence, Damith brings a perspective on creativity, confidence, adaptability, and pursuing diverse passions with purpose. Details on registration can be obtained by calling 0772 256 356 / 0779 256356/011 2888 288 or by writing to info@ift.lk.