UNIS Hanoi at the 55th EARCOS Leadership Conference 2025

Last week, members of the Board of Directors and our leadership team attended the 55th Annual East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) Leadership Conference 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. The event brought together educational leaders from across the region to share insights, exchange experiences, and explore how international schools can continue to thrive amid rapid global change.  Under this year’s theme, “Future—Visible,” participants reflected on how schools can shape the future of learning with purpose, integrity, and innovation through three days of keynotes, workshops, and meaningful networking.

A keynote session that particularly resonated with our Board of Directors was presented by Dr. Sabba Quidwai, CEO of Designing Schools. She challenged participants to view AI not as artificial intelligence but as a catalyst for human agency. The goal of AI, she reminded, is not automation but empowerment—inviting educators and students to rethink how things are done, design what’s next together, and use these tools responsibly. In a world shaped by AI, human judgment and discernment matter most, reminding us that ethics and empathy remain at the heart of meaningful innovation.

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of stakeholder engagement—ensuring that relevant parties work in partnership to build shared understanding and resilience. In an age of uncertainty, such collaboration is essential for creating clarity of purpose, sustaining trust, and making the “future visible” for communities.

A highlight of this year’s conference was the panel session titled “Common Ground, Unique Paths: Insights and Lessons from International School Boards.” UNIS Hanoi is particularly proud of our very own Board Chair, Maria Chung, who served as one of the panel members alongside five pioneering women leaders—Board Chairs of international schools across East Asia and founding members of Women in Governance (WIG). Moderated by Homa Tavangar, Co-founder of the Big Questions Institute, the panel explored lessons from the boardroom, the balance between strategic and operational responsibilities, building trust with Heads of School, and fostering excellence in governance. Maria shared insights drawn from UNIS Hanoi’s experience hosting the Governance as Leadership Training Institute (GALTI) and underscored the importance of structured, ongoing governance training in strengthening Boards and advancing school missions. Her participation reflected the Board’s commitment to inclusive, values-based leadership and UNIS Hanoi’s dedication to strengthening trust and effectiveness in school governance.  Maria’s contribution was part of UNIS Hanoi’s wider presence at EARCOS 2025. Several members of the leadership team also facilitated sessions and workshops, sharing perspectives and practices from our school’s ongoing work in governance, inclusion, and innovation. Together, their participation reflected UNIS Hanoi’s collaborative spirit and its role as both a contributor to and learner within the international education community.

Beyond the conference itself, UNIS Hanoi continues to strengthen partnerships that extend our impact and reinforce our mission. A meaningful example of this alignment came on 25 October 2025, when Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, Chair of UNIS NY’s Board, visited UNIS Hanoi for An Evening with Luke Jerram and toured the GAIA SDG Experience. Her visit reflected the shared values and partnership between the two UN schools.  The conference—and the broader partnerships—reaffirmed our shared commitment to effective governance, inclusive leadership, and community partnership, all in service of our vision to “be an inspirational role model for a better world.”