31st ICDE World Conference 2027
Building Partnerships for Inclusive Education
September 2026, Cebu and Metro Manila.
Through a series of courtesy visits and exploratory meetings in Cebu and Manila, representatives engaged with government, academic and international partners to explore opportunities for collaboration ahead of ICDE’s flagship global event, taking place in Cebu, Philippines, from 15–19 November 2027.
The visits highlighted a shared commitment to advancing inclusive, scalable and sustainable education through international cooperation.
Discussions focused on how partners can help shape a truly global conference experience by engaging contributors from across sectors and regions. See highlights ↓
Highlights from:
Cebu
In Cebu, the delegation met with representatives from the provincial and city governments of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu, the University of Cebu, the University of the Philippines Cebu and the Royal Norwegian Consulate.
These conversations explored how local stakeholders can help welcome the international education community to Cebu in 2027 while showcasing the Philippines' leadership in open, distance and flexible learning.
Cebu Provincial Capitol
In Cebu, the delegation met with Mr Christopher Baricuatro and Mr Elizar Sabinay, executive assistants to the Governor, and Ms Abigail Irah Cudias, Provincial Tourism Officer at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
Mayor of Lapu-Lapu City
The delegation met with mayor of Lapu-Lapu City Ma. Cynthia Chan.
Government officials of Cebu City
Lester Archival and Atty. Zayne Manlongat, Special Assistants to the Mayor of Cebu City
University of Cebu
Chairman of the University of Cebu, with Mel Sanchez, Representative of the Consular Office and Honorary Consul to Cebu and Negros Occidental of the Royal Norwegian Consulate
University of the Philippines
Atty. Leo B. Malagar, Chancellor of UP Cebu
Highlights from:
Manila
The programme continued in Manila, where meetings were held with representatives from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Office of International Linkages, and SEAMEO INNOTECH.
These engagements underscored the importance of international partnerships in addressing global educational priorities and creating opportunities for collaboration that extend well beyond the conference itself.
Royal Norwegian Embassy Manila
In Manila, the delegation met with Kristian Netland, Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy Manila
SEAMO Innotech
Dr. Majah-Leah Ravago, Centre Director of SEAMEO Innotech.
Department of Foreign Affairs and UNACOM
Ricarte B. Abejuela III of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines.
University of the Philippines, Office of International Linkages
Dr. Gino Angelo Velasco of the University of the Philippines, Office of International Linkages
31st ICDE World Conference
The Journey Ahead
The visits in Cebu and Manila form part of a broader effort to build a collaborative pathway towards the World Conference.
Hosted by UPOU, the conference will bring together the global education community, providing a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation and strengthening partnerships that advance quality education for all.
As preparations continue, these conversations serve as a reminder that the future of sustainable educational is built through collaboration. By connecting local expertise with global networks, ICDE and UPOU are laying the groundwork for a conference that reflects a shared commitment to learning systems that endure, adapt and expand opportunities for learners worldwide.