About the Symposium

The symposium is co-convened with the participation of the Global Africa Comparative and International Education Society (Global Africa -CIES), the Comparative Education Section of the Portuguese Society of Educational Sciences (SEC-SPCE), the Mondial Association for Peace by Comparative Education (MAPE) and the VIII International Conference of Indian Ocean Comparative Education Society (IOCES).

Introduction

The Comparative Education Section of the Portuguese Society of Education Sciences (SPCE-SEC) is honored to present the VI WCCES Symposium, taking place from July 16 to 18, 2025, at Universidade Lusófona in Lisbon. Co-hosted with the CeiED (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Education and Development), the symposium addresses a critical contemporary challenge: “Renewing the Social Contract for Education: Navigating Possible Futures.” Amidst rapid global transformations in societal, economic, and technological domains, educational systems worldwide face unprecedented pressures to adapt. Persistent educational inequalities, increasing cultural diversity, evolving demands for 21st-century skills, and the accelerating impact of digitalization call for a reconsideration of the ethical, political, and pedagogical foundations underpinning educational practices.

Symposium Focus

The VI WCCES Symposium offers an interdisciplinary and international platform for scholars, researchers, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to examine the potential futures for education from a comparative perspective and explore the global and local implications. Central to the symposium’s agenda is the examination of education’s role and the impact of public policy in promoting social justice, equity, and sustainability, alongside emerging challenges in pedagogical innovation within a constantly shifting world. The collaboration between the World Council of Comparative Education Societies (WCCES) and SPCE-SEC provides an ideal setting for a comparative analysis of educational policies and practices, bringing together experts from diverse geographical and educational contexts to share innovative perspectives on renewing the social contract for education.

Objectives

The primary objective of this symposium is to foster exchange, mobilize knowledge, and strengthen international research and cooperation networks. By doing so, we aim to build a shared vision of inclusive, equitable, and sustainable educational futures. We look forward to the participation of all interested individuals, envisioning this symposium as a unique opportunity to collaboratively explore and co-construct the potential futures of education.