Creativity in Education Summit 2025
Aligning Assessment to Foster Creative Thinking and Improve Teaching And Learning
The 2025 Creativity in Education Summit, jointly organised by the OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI), UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE), and the Global Institute of Creative Thinking (GIoCT), was an unique platform convening policy makers, educators, AI and technology experts and international organisations to exchange ideas, showcase global best practices, and promote collaborative solutions.
This year’s theme emphasisd the common need to ensure alignment of assessment practices with pedagogical approaches that value creativity as a core educational outcome. The Summit provided the opportunity to explore how digital tools, artificial intelligence, and inclusive methodologies can help build more adaptive, integrative and meaningful models of practice.
17-18 SEPTEMBER 2025
UNESCO HEADQUATERS, PARIS, FRANCE
Summit in a Snapshot
As noted in the opening ceremony, this annual Summit is our “deadline for handing in homework”, a moment to present the results of our collective effort, and this year, the “homework” has been richer and more substantial than ever.
Across two and a half days, participants experienced pre-Summit visits to the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO) and the Institut Supérieur Maria Montessori (ISMM), followed by keynote speeches and policy discussions with ministers and experts on assessment for creative thinking at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The programme also featured hands-on workshops linked to the OECD Teacher Professional Learning Programme and parallel sessions with case studies and exchanges on innovative practices.
Speakers and Moderators
The 2025 Creativity in Education Summit brought together an exceptional lineup of speakers: education leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators from around the world. Together they shared diverse perspectives on fostering creativity and rethinking assessment for the future of learning.
Co-Organiser
The OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI)
The Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) performs research-driven work to achieve lifelong learning for all. It goes beyond formal education systems and reflects on the future of teaching and learning. While having a particular focus on emerging trends and issues, CERI aims to set a forward-looking and innovative agenda for a changing education landscape. The goal of CERI is to produce work that is thoroughly integrated with empirical analysis and innovation awareness, with specific emphasis on accumulating statistical evidence and developing key indicators to solidify its research work.
The Global Institute of Creative Thinking (GIoCT)
The Center for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) performs research-driven work to achieve lifelong learning for all. It goes beyond formal education systems and reflects on the future of teaching and learning. While having a particular focus on emerging trends and issues, CERI aims to set a forward-looking and innovative agenda for a changing education landscape. The goal of CERI is to produce work that is thoroughly integrated with empirical analysis and innovation awareness, with specific emphasis on accumulating statistical evidence and developing key indicators to solidify its research work.
Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE)
The Center for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) performs research-driven work to achieve lifelong learning for all. It goes beyond formal education systems and reflects on the future of teaching and learning. While having a particular focus on emerging trends and issues, CERI aims to set a forward-looking and innovative agenda for a changing education landscape. The goal of CERI is to produce work that is thoroughly integrated with empirical analysis and innovation awareness, with specific emphasis on accumulating statistical evidence and developing key indicators to solidify its research work.
International Creativity In Schools Awards 2025
Co-organized by GIoCT and UNESCO IITE, and announced under the theme “How AI Can Empower Creative Thinking in Education,” the session during CES 2025 will recognize top applicants selected by an international committee. Award recipients will receive a prize to support the continuation of their projects in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is CES 2025 hosted?
UNESCO Headquarters (Maison de l’UNESCO), Paris 125, avenue de Suffren, France.
What are the nearest public transport options?
UNESCO does not have public parking facilities. We recommend using public transport:
- By Metro: Ségur-UNESCO, Cambronne, Ecole militaire
- By Bus: 28, 80
- Velib’Sation: n° 15009 Suffren, 140 avenue de Suffren
What time should I arrive before the event starts?
At least 30–45 minutes before the start of the Summit, to allow time for security and badge collection.
How do I gain access to the building?
You must present a valid government-issued ID. Security badges will be issued at the entrance.
Are there security checks at the entrance?
All attendees must go through airport-style security screening. Please note: only closed water bottles can be brought into the meeting rooms to avoid any possible incidents with the electrical installations on the podium and tables.
Can I bring guests who are not registered?
No. Only registered participants with confirmed badges will be allowed entry.
Do I need a visa to attend?
Participants from outside the EU/Schengen Area may require a short-stay visa to enter France. If a visa is necessary, please indicate this during the registration process. An official invitation letter will be issued to support your visa application. Kindly allow up to seven working days for the invitation letter to be processed and delivered. We recommend beginning your visa arrangements well in advance to ensure timely approval.
Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. UNESCO HQ is wheelchair accessible and offers facilities for persons with reduced mobility. If you require accessibility assistance, please indicate this during the registration process so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Are meals provided during the conference?
Participants will be offered coffe break, lunch and reception (on the evening of the first day, 17th September).
Is there a cloakroom or luggage storage?
Yes, a supervised cloakroom is available, but large suitcases are discouraged.
What languages are spoken at CES 2025?
The working language of CES 2025 will be English. There will be no simultaneous interpretation.
Is there a press registration for journalists?
Yes. Journalists must register in advance and bring press credentials.
Will the summit be available to attend online via live stream?
No, the summit will not be live-streamed. However, video recordings of selected sessions will be made available online after the event.
Do you additional questions?
Please contact us at ces@gioct.org.