The World Congress 2023 will be hosted by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP), April 23-25, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, with the theme Collective Intelligence.
Knowing how to use and leverage all forms of intelligence is essential to the development of both individuals and societies, including social, cultural, political, environmental, emotional and artificial intelligence. Collective Intelligence is required to ensure a holistic and creative approach to meet the needs of a diverse student population from various pathways and the needs of the labour market in constant evolution.
Over 1500 participants will gather to reflect, discuss, share and network, all aiming to better advocate, build capacity and drive knowledge to address issues and explore innovative solutions for the post-secondary professional and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector, in Canada and around the world.
What to expect
1500+ delegates
50+ live and pre-recorded sessions and presentations
100+ speakers from Canada and globally
Comprehensive, easy-to-use mobile app
Innovative and engaging keynote speakers
Affinity Groups on critical issues facing post-secondary education
Marketplace featuring products and services
Opportunity to engage one on one or in small group conversations via the CONNECTION B2B Zone
Congress streams
The congress is organized into seven streams, outlined below. All sessions will be future oriented, solutions based and address one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All sessions will offer reflections on opportunities, or lessons learned, for the future of the college and institute system in this fast-moving future.
Embracing Transformational Leadership and Governance
Geared towards leadership teams, including board members and CEOs, this stream will focus on how institutional leaders are embracing transformational leadership and governance to effect change within their institutions and contribute to the socio-economic well-being of their communities.
Advancing Teaching, Learning and Student Success
This stream will focus on how colleges and institutes orient themselves to ensure the success of their students, create inclusive campus spaces, promote both physical and mental health, and use new technologies to strengthen support services. Sessions will explore how innovative teaching and assessment methods can take learning beyond the typical classroom setting, including virtual and blended learning, traditional Indigenous ways of knowing, and work-integrated learning in the world of AI.
Leading Sustainability
This stream will examine how colleges and institutes can expand their leadership role in contributing to the SDGs and ensuring sustainability across multiple sectors. Sessions will be guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include areas like curriculum development, solutions-oriented approaches to applied research, and designing smart green campuses. Sessions will also look at strategies that colleges and institutes are implementing to achieve a net zero carbon future.
Building and maintaining strong Industry Partnerships
This stream will focus on how colleges and institutes respond to labour market challenges and help build a sustainable economy. Sessions will explore how colleges and institutes can lead in this recovery across new and emerging markets, strengthen communities, and help businesses innovate through strategic partnerships.
Ensuring Safety, Security and Well-being
This stream will address how colleges and institutes can protect themselves from new challenges and threats. Safety and security are not only about protecting institutions from cyber-attacks but also about providing access and creating safe campuses and spaces that support the well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
Advancing Indigenous Education
The right of Indigenous peoples to education is protected by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples along with other international human rights instruments including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This stream will focus on best practices to and solutions to improve the access to higher education and ensure the retention and success of Indigenous learners.
Embracing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
This stream will look at how institutions can ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are part of their operational plans and strategic priorities. With social justice on the minds of the students we serve and the staff we employ, embracing EDI practices is a key to organizational success. Sessions will focus on best practices, lived experiences and growth opportunities when implementing EDI practices in post-secondary education.