Reflections on the HundrED Innovation Summit in Helsinki: Shaping the Future of Education

The HundrEDorg Innovation Summit in Helsinki brought together a global community of educators, innovators, and changemakers to reflect on the pressing challenges and opportunities in education. Across thought-provoking sessions, keynote speeches, and youth-led panels, the summit delved into how we can create systems that inspire, engage, and prepare learners for an unpredictable future.

As a senior adviser to HundrED, I am left energised by the depth of conversations and the shared commitment to transforming education systems worldwide.

Here are some key reflections and takeaways from the summit:

Scaling with Purpose

Scaling educational innovations was a major focus of the summit. Success in scaling requires thoughtful co-design with local stakeholders, a deep understanding of diverse contexts, and a commitment to long-term adaptability.

One session highlighted that scaling efforts need both a “doer” and a “payer” to ensure sustainability at scale. Discussions also acknowledged the systemic barriers that can prevent even the best innovations from thriving. Tools and frameworks play an important role, but they must be paired with strong processes and facilitation to be effective.

Tackling Disengagement and Belonging

A recurring theme was the decline in youth engagement across education systems. Many young people feel disconnected from their learning environments, leading to long-term consequences for their well-being and success.

One keynote speaker shared a personal story about finding a sense of belonging through a school band, which transformed what could have been the worst year of their life into the best. This powerful example highlighted the importance of connection and engagement in education. Helping students find their unique sense of purpose and curiosity—what one speaker referred to as their “trumpet”—is essential.

Prioritising Essential Skills

In today’s rapidly changing world, essential skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and collaboration are more important than ever. Yet, these skills are often undervalued in traditional education systems.

Youth panellists emphasised the need for schools to integrate these skills into core learning frameworks, while also acknowledging the role of teachers in modelling them. They reminded us that education is not just about academics—it is about equipping learners with the tools to navigate an uncertain future.

Systemic Reform and Sustainability

Systemic reform was identified as a critical factor for achieving meaningful and lasting change. As one session emphasised, a bad system will defeat a good intervention every time, no matter how well-designed or well-funded.

Sustainability requires moving beyond isolated initiatives and working within existing structures to ensure innovations can scale effectively. This involves balancing local flexibility with global insights and ensuring that systems are designed to support, rather than hinder, innovation.

Tools and Frameworks: Enablers, Not Answers

While tools and frameworks were acknowledged as useful, they must be seen as enablers rather than fixed solutions. Discussions highlighted the overwhelming number of frameworks available, making it challenging for educators and organisations to navigate their options.

The real value of tools lies in their ability to guide processes and help organisations ask the right questions. Successful scaling efforts require adaptability, coaching, and the ability to contextualise solutions for different environments.

Young People at the Centre

One of the most inspiring messages from the summit was the need to place young people at the heart of decision-making. Their voices must guide the transformation of education systems to ensure solutions are relevant and impactful.

Youth leaders shared powerful insights about the importance of listening to their perspectives and creating opportunities for them to actively shape policies and programmes. This is not just an ideal—it is a necessity for building education systems that truly meet their needs and aspirations.

Looking Ahead

The HundrED Innovation Summit was a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we share to create better education systems for all learners. The insights shared over these days reaffirmed that education is a critical lever for addressing global challenges and preparing young people for the future.

As we close this chapter, the real work begins: turning these reflections into action. Education is not just about solving today’s challenges—it is about building a foundation for a more equitable, sustainable, and inspiring future.

As a senior adviser to HundrED, I am deeply inspired by the shared commitment, energy, and innovation displayed at the summit. It is a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated individuals and organisations striving to transform education for the better. Together, we can create systems where every learner thrives.