The International Baccalaureate (IB) – ‘Festival of Hope’ — a global youth initiative bringing together diverse voices and experiences from across the world — was organised in Mumbai on Wednesday under the theme ‘How Technology Promotes Diversity, Inclusion and Equity’ to celebrate the ‘resilience, creativity, and determination of youth’.
In a grand display of unity and optimism, the event took place at the prestigious Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. The event brought together esteemed dignitaries from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), pan-India IB associates, educators, school principals, alumni, and students from across the country, to celebrate the power of hope and the transformative potential of technology.
The event was graced by distinguished guests who shared their expertise and views. The festival drew 56 schools and over 250 attendees from all over India, all eager to participate in the interactive talks and engaging activities. Twenty interactive presentations and impactful exhibitions were featured, illustrating how technology can revolutionise the teaching and learning experience, and inspiring the students to pursue new opportunities and make a difference.
“Education holds the key to transforming lives, breaking barriers, and shaping a brighter future for all. In education, technology is a key enabler to make learning more accessible, exciting and enjoyable. Technology has permeated every aspect of our existence and holds incredible power to shape a brighter future for all in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity,” said Isha Ambani Piramal, executive director, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, and Director, Reliance Jio Infocomm, in her keynote address.
In today’s digital age, giving wings to hope is technology, she said. “It is an honour for Dhirubhai Ambani International School to host the Festival of Hope. Hope is a powerful thing. It is an instrument of change. The first step to a new reality, a brighter tomorrow,” she added.
The event was followed by an educators’ meet with the director-general (DG) IB Olli-Pekka Heinonen, which will be attended by 108 educators from across the globe.
“The Festival of Hope started with the vision to support impactful ideas and conversations that translate to positive action. The exhibits by the students in New Delhi and Mumbai have proven to be powerful testimonials of this vision. We at International Baccalaureate believe in facilitating high quality education for a better and more peaceful world,” said Heinonen while addressing the gathering.
He further said IB’s partnerships with Delhi Board of Secondary Education (DBSE) and Haryana School Education Board (HSEB) will help deliver high-quality education in state-run schools.
“We are also expecting a 31 per cent increase in the implementation of our programmes across India as we keep empowering learners to thrive and make a difference. What we have experienced over the last few days was truly phenomenal and has strengthened our conviction in the potential of the students, and in the IB curriculum,” he added.
The IB leadership attending the event includes Oli Pekka Heinonen; Mathew Costelo, chief business development officer; Timothy Logan, festival’s project co-lead; Jennifer Olivia Bahrami, co-lead of Festival of Hope; Mahesh Balakrisnan, development and recognition manager, India, and Nepal-IB; and Nicole Bien, chief academic officer.
Abhimanyu Basu, Dean and CEO, DAIS, said the festival is an initiative towards guiding all stakeholders to achieve the IB Learner Profile — with focus on developing knowledgeable and caring young people. “We hope that the spirit of hope and positivity that we have witnessed here today seeps into our lives and makes a difference in our communities,” said Basu.
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