Page 145 - EW may 2026

Interview

“Education is the most powerful tool to improve society”

n alumnus of Helsinki tained commitment and resources.
University, former minister
A for Education & Science of How well is IB aligned with the AI-driven,
Finland and Director-General of self-learning era?
the Finnish National Agency for Very well. IB emphasises inquiry-
Education, DR. OLLI-PEKKA based learning, student agency, and
HEINONEN is currently Director- independent research through proj-
General of the Geneva/The Hague- ects and detailed essays. Students are
based International Baccalaureate not passive recipients of knowledge;
(IB). Excerpts from an interview with they actively construct and apply
Dilip Thakore: it. This aligns naturally with the
demands of the AI age.
This is an auspicious occasion. It marks
the 50th anniversary of IB in India. What is IB’s response to the growing
Congratulations! What were the founding demand for skills-based education?
objectives of IB? Our IB Career-related Programme
The IB was born out of a powerful (IBCP) addresses this directly. It
idea — that education could prevent integrates academic learning with
the type of conflicts the world wit- career-focused pathways and real-
nessed during World War II. Educa- world experience. Currently, it is
tors from 12 schools came together From the beginning, IB has gone our fastest-growing programme,
to design a programme that would beyond academics. For instance, especially in India, and simultane-
build international understand- community service is mandatory — ously prepares students for higher
ing and co-operation. At the same students must contribute meaning- education and workplaces.
time, there was a practical need for a fully to society to earn their diploma.
high-quality diploma recognised by Another distinctive element is that How should educators respond to artificial
universities worldwide, especially for Theory of Knowledge is a compul- intelligence? Fear it or embrace it?
globally mobile families. sory subject. It develops critical We should engage with AI, not fear
thinking — how we know what we it. Students must understand its ca-
How satisfied are you that IB has achieved know — a vital skill in today’s era of pabilities and its limitations. AI can
these goals over five decades? misinformation. assist with tasks but it cannot replace
Our growth itself tells the story. human judgement, ethics, and pur-
From 12 schools, IB has expanded IB has expanded from a diploma pro- pose. Learning still requires effort —
to over 6,000 schools in 160 coun- gramme to include early years education. you cannot outsource thinking.
tries, with an aggregate enrolment How significant is this shift?
of 2 million students. But more It’s very important. Starting early Finland is often cited for its model educa-
importantly, the core mission — to allows students to internalise tion system. What are its key strengths?
create a better and more peaceful inquiry-based learning and develop a High-quality teachers are central.
world through education — remains questioning mindset from young age. Teaching is a highly respected and
unchanged and continues to guide The learner profile and core concepts well-remunerated profession, and
our evolution. are reinforced throughout their edu- educators are well-trained and
cational journey, making the impact trusted. Moreover, there is strong
Has the goal of promoting global peace much deeper. autonomy at the school level and
and co-operation been realised? a culture of trust between teachers
There is still much work to be done. IB programmes are often seen as expen- and students. Above all, education is
Today, one in five student globally sive. How do you justify high fees in IB holistic — the goal is to help individ-
lives in conflict-affected regions. schools? uals grow into responsible, capable
However, fostering international- Our focus is on ensuring quality human beings.
mindedness, intercultural under- in affiliated schools. All teachers
standing, and collaboration remains undergo rigorous IB training so that Your message to educators and policy-
central to IB. We encourage not IB pedagogy is implemented con- makers worldwide…
just shared learning but meaning- sistently. IB training is mandatory Education is the most powerful tool
ful connections between students for all teachers of affiliated schools we have to improve society. While
worldwide. for building a high-quality learning we often focus on its problems, we
ecosystem. Therefore, affiliation fees must recognise its transformative
IB syllabi and curriculum are praised for and in turn tuition fees of affiliated potential — to build not just skilled
their holistic approach. What are their schools tend to be relatively high. individuals, but a more just and
distinguishing features? Excellence in education requires sus- peaceful world.

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