FWE

Raising the Bar on Math Education - Lessons from Near and Far
2024-03-28 - 2024-03-29 | Penn Club of New York, 30 West 44th Street, New York, NY, 10036, United States
March 28th, Thursday
Pre-meeting Reception and Dinner
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Cheng Davis, Co-Founder & President of Forum for World Education (FWE)
Susan Sclafani, FWE Vice President & FWE Steering Committee Member
March 29th, Friday
Part 1: The Math Education Landscape and Vision for the Future
Moderator: A. Lin Goodwin, FWE Steering Committee & Academic Committee Member, Thomas More Brennan Chair Professor of Education, Boston College
International Perspectives on Math Education, Outcomes, and Goals for the Future
Presenter: Andreas Schleicher, FWE Steering Committee Member, Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills, OECD
Remarks: Christine Choi (蔡若蓮), Secretary of Education, HKSAR Government, Hong Kong SAR (recorded)
Learning from the UK’s Experiences in Math Curriculum Reforms
Presenter: Charlie Stripp, Chief Executive and Director of the National Centre for Excellence in
Teaching Mathematics
Presenter: Zhang Minxuan, Professor, Shanghai Normal University (recorded)
Part 2: Panel with Recommendations for the Future
Levers for Improving Outcomes
Moderator: Geoffrey Phelps, Senior Research Scientist, Educational Testing Services
Panelists:
Maisha Moses, Executive Director of the Young People’s Project
Morgan Polikoff, Professor of Education, University of Southern California
Yvonne Lai, Professor of Mathematics, University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lightning Round and Wrap-up
Moderators:
Susan Sclafani, FWE Vice President & FWE Steering Committee Member
Geoffrey Phelps, Senior Research Scientist, Educational Testing Services
Closing Remarks
Cheng Davis, Co-Founder & President of Forum for World Education (FWE)
Andreas Schleicher, FWE Steering Committee Member, Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills, OECD

Forum for World Education Hosts Young Leaders Panel in Beijing, China
2024-08-10 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | KWM, KWM Art Center, Beijing, China
On August 10th, The Forum for World Education held a Young Leaders Beijing Panel at the KWM Art Centre in Beijing, China.

We would like to thank our Young Leaders organizer, Felix Xiao, for organizing and promoting this event which drew over 20 participants from 12 countries together to discuss the power of education as a diplomatic tool. The gathering showcased perspectives and drive discussion from educators, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and current students from top universities worldwide. It served as an open platform for dialogue, cultivating understanding and collaboration across borders and nations through the scope of education.

Ambassador Lynette Mwende Ndile, Deputy Head of Mission of Kenya to China, delivered a speech focusing on three key areas.

Education is a powerful diplomatic tool and a great equalizer. Young people, as education recipients, through their educational experiences, have become diplomats and ambassadors in their own right, representing their cultures and promoting international understanding.

Education diplomacy builds mutually beneficial relationships between nations. She has informed the audience that the theme of International Youth Day 2024 is youth digitigal pathways for sustainable development. She stated that while the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional educational formats, it also spurred innovation. Young Leaders are now at the forefront of digital adoption and innovation in education, transforming challenges into opportunities for global learning and collaboration.

Education plays a crucial role in bridging cultural divides. She accentuated the importance of cultivating young and future leaders who can work toward common goals across cultural boundaries. The Ambassador called for greater inclusivity in education, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. She argued that the youths have a role to stop this cultural divide and mold the world to have common goals, it is crucial for creating a more understanding and harmonious global community.

Wahed, Secretary General of Alumni Talent Alliance and Director of International Affairs at ITEC, shared insights on the changing landscape of international talent exchange.

Pointing out that during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the primary reason for inviting foreign students to China shifted towards promoting people-to-people diplomacy and strengthening international relationships.

Every international student is viewed as a cultural ambassador, serving as a bridge between their home country and China.

The Belt and Road Initiative has elevated the role of international students to a new level. These students are now expected to become skilled project leaders, contributing their expertise to various aspects of this global development strategy.

Jenna Lively, a senior educator, discussed the growing influence of AI in modern classrooms. She provided an overview of the first-hand experience with AI developments and explored its role in education, emphasizing its applications, benefits, and future potential. She also highlighted how technology is reshaping the learning experience and possible future education system.
Tony Gao, Founder of EasyTransfer, illustrated the importance of global citizenship.

Lea Bochtler, Collumbia University Allumni and social media influencer, highlighted the role of social media in promoting authentic cultural exchange.

The Beijing Reception Event had adopted a hybrid format, with Zoom participation from those Young Leaders who could not attend in person offering fresh perspectives and insights on our topics of the night.

Dr. Cheng Davis, Co-founder and President of FWE, provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of Forum for World Education’s journey. She explained the history and the primary purpose of FWE, as well as the driving forces that led to the achievements FWE has obtained. Additionally, Dr. Davis underscored FWE’s commitment to shaping the future of global education and highlighted the significance of young leaders on a global scale. The Forum for World Education (FWE) appreciates the hard work of Felix Xiao for organizing this event and Ambassador Lynette Mwende Ndile for her participation and speec as well as thanking all those who were able to attend in person as well as all those who participated virtually. This event showcased the importance and power of a global network for Young Leaders, powerful thought, inspirational discussion and opens dialogue amongst nations to further the mission and purpose of our community and emphasizes our commitment to furthering international collaboration and cooperation on improving education across boundaries.
The Forum for World Education (FWE) appreciates the hard work of Felix Xiao for organizing this event and Ambassador Lynette Mwende Ndile for her participation and speech as well as thanking all those who were able to attend in person as well as all those who participated virtually. This event showcased the importance and power of a global network for Young Leaders, powerful thought, inspirational discussion and opens dialogue amongst nations to further the mission and purpose of our community and emphasizes our commitment to furthering international collaboration and cooperation on improving education across boundaries.

FWE YL Webinar | What Future for Education?
2024-09-19 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax) | Online, Online
Guest Speakers:
– Wahed Ahmadzai: Founder of nHUB; Secretary General of Alumni Talent Alliance; ITEC International Affairs Director
– Tony Gao(Moderator): Vice President of FWE; President and Founder of EasyTransfer
– Alex Wang: Associate of Strategic Investment, CATS Cambridge, Bright Scholar
– Dani Bicknell: CEO/Founder of Dab Collab; FWE Young Leader
– Hugh McCormick: Principal of CATS Cambridge

Education Diplomacy: How International Perspectives Can Affect the Next Generation
2024-09-28 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Penn Club of New York, 30 West 44th Street, New York, NY, 10036, United States
As part of its mission to transform education worldwide, the FWE Education Diplomacy Panel Event on September 28, 2024, at the Penn Club of New York will bring together leaders in government, education, and business. The panel will highlight how international education initiatives can address global challenges and empower the next generation of leaders.
Event Host:
Angel Wei, FWE Young Leader, Founder of Sustainability Communications Advisory
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund
5-minute speech on the transformative impact of women’s and girls’ education on global health and development.
Panel I:

Ethan Jiayi Yu, Host and Lead Panelist, Class of 2024 President, NYU Stern
Andre Sebastian Fraga, American student with international business connections in China
Holley Coulter, American student, native Chinese speaker, dual degree holder (Russia & LSE)
Ahmed Bharoocha, NYU Stern Breakthrough Scholar, Manager at American Express
Anchor Ebanks, Founder and CEO of Crates Health

Panel II:

Ani Kharajian, Host of this Panel, FWE Vice President & Steering Committee member; Senior Portfolio Director, Executive Education, Harvard Business School
Rossana Hu, Founding Partner, Neri&Hu Design; Chair, Department of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania
Bentley Zhao, CEO, New Empire Group
Yin Luo, Vice Chairman, Wolfe Research
Noel Ginsburg, Founder, Chairman & CEO, CareerWise USA
Sandhya Espitia, Chief Operating Officer at Real Estate Board of New York

Conclude speaker:
Dr. Susan Sclafani, Vice President, FWE

Event Recap:
FWE Panel Highlights Education Diplomacy’s Role in Shaping the Next Generation

Bridging Borders Through Education: A Memorable Evening with Dean David Pan and the Forum for World Education
2024-11-08 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Penn Club of New York, 30 West 44th Street, New York, NY, 10036, United States
On November 8, 2024, the Forum for World Education (FWE) hosted a memorable dinner at the Penn Club in New York City, gathering distinguished guests to welcome Dean David Pan and the delegation from Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University. This special evening brought together leaders from diverse backgrounds to envision a future where education serves as a bridge to understanding and collaboration.

Dr. Cheng Davis, founder of FWE, opened the evening by warmly welcoming Dean Pan and the delegation from Schwarzman College. She highlighted Dean Pan’s contributions to advancing education, noting that under his leadership, Schwarzman College has become a global hub for future leaders, fostering a spirit of cooperation and understanding essential in today’s world. Dr. Davis also extended her gratitude to all attendees for joining the event, acknowledging their shared commitment to fostering a future where education bridges understanding and cooperation across borders.

Abdourahamane Diallo, a Schwarzman Scholar alumnus and a young leader within FWE, emphasized the crucial role of programs like the Schwarzman Scholars and FWE initiatives in today’s world. He noted that these programs go beyond simply providing knowledge; they foster empathy, global awareness, and a commitment to cooperation. Diallo highlighted the importance of engaging with peers worldwide to understand and address shared challenges, underscoring how education can bridge divides, promote peace, and cultivate a mindset for meaningful change across borders. He recognized the essential role of organizations like FWE and the Schwarzman Scholars program in preparing young leaders to tackle critical global issues such as climate change and social inequality with a collaborative, international perspective.
Diallo also expressed his admiration for Dean David Pan, Executive Dean of Schwarzman College, acknowledging his forward-thinking leadership and dedication to innovation in education. Dean Pan’s work reflects a belief that education serves as a bridge to peace and dialogue, a philosophy that resonates deeply with alumni and peers alike.

Dean Pan expressed his gratitude to FWE for the warm welcome and recognized Dr. Davis with three powerful words: vision, passion, and action. He highlighted her far-reaching vision, dedication to education, and relentless commitment to making things happen—all qualities that define her as a leader driving meaningful change and advancing global collaboration.

Innovation in Education Through Technology
2024-11-16 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | Harvard University, Science Center Hall D, 1 Oxford St,, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
Event Host:
MC: Angel Wei, Masters Student at Harvard, Founder of Sustainability Communications Advisory
Opening Remarks:
Dr. Cheng Davis, President at Forum for World Education
5 Keynote Presentations:
These experts will provide insights into the latest developments in AI and its impact on education.
– Keynote from Ed Tech Founder Perspective:
Matt Dalio, Founder of Endless
– Keynote from a Policymaking Perspective:
Roberto J. Rodríguez, Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, U.S. Department of Education
– Keynote from Philanthropy/Business Perspective:
Dr. Elijah Bach, Co-Founder & CEO, Bach Family Foundation and Trust, Inc.
– Keynote from the Academic Perspective:
Stu Snydma, Associate University Librarian and Managing Director for Library Technology at Harvard University
– Keynote from the Corporate Perspective:
Dr. Kiesha King, National Head of Education, T-Mobile
Panel 1: Education and Founders: AI and Education for More Innovative Solutions:
A moderated discussion focusing on how AI can drive innovative solutions in education. Panelists will explore new methodologies, tools, and practices enabled by AI that can transform the learning experience.
– Moderator: Jane Zhang, MIT research Fellow, Bloomberg AI reporter.
– Will Li, Co-founder & CEO, TutorOcean and Quad C
– Ariel Bach, Co-Founder & CEO, Bach Bros Studio, Inc.
– Meena Sonea, CEO, Aspire Institut
– Dr. Lynette Nicole Tannis, Adjunct Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Panel 2: Next Generation and Young Leaders in Innovative Education:
Join a dynamic group of emerging leaders as they share insights on driving innovation in education. This panel will cover:
1) Personal Journeys: Inspiring stories from young entrepreneurs and educators making an impact;
2) Innovative Approaches: Groundbreaking methods and technologies enhancing learning experiences;
3) Future Vision: Their perspectives on technology, inclusivity, and global collaboration in shaping education’s future. This engaging session will highlight the passion and creativity of young leaders and spark dialogue about the evolving educational landscape.
– Moderator: Ethan Yu, NYU Stern 2024 President
– Frank Zhou, President, Harvard College China Forum
– Sophia Schleicher, Civil Society Learning Initiative Delivery Coordinator, Harvard Graduate School of Education
– Kyra Mo, Co-president, WECode
– Kehang Zhu, Ph.D. candidate, Harvard University; Research Fellow, the MIT Sloan School of Management
Closing Remarks:
Ani Kharajian, Senior Director at Havard Business School Executive Program

FWE Young Leaders Music Symposium
2024-12-15 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Steinway & Sons, 158 Middle Huaihai Road, Shanghai, China
“Music Education: Balancing Artistic Standards and Audience Development” Panel Discussion
Led by our remarkable Artistic Ambassador Ye Huang, the discussion delved into key issues and strategies for making complex jazz compositions accessible to new audiences and leading jazz musicians and educators addressed practical challenges in today’s music industry, the effective balance of familiar standards with original compositions, and the integration of Chinese musical elements into jazz arrangements. The panelists shared practical approaches, from translating jazz standards into Chinese to incorporating traditional Chinese instruments and traiditional Asia music elements. They also offered guidance for aspiring musicians transitioning from academic settings to China’s professional music scene.

Panelists:

Ye Huang (Moderator) – Artistic Ambassador; Lincoln Center’s First Chinese Jazz Artist
Harrison Wardley – Ex -Double Bass Professor at Sichuan Conservatory of Music
Murray James Morrison – Assistant Clinical Professor of Arts at NYU Shanghai
Jie Yin – Berklee School of Music Alumni ; Acclaimed Jazz Pianist and Composer
Rit Xu – NFA Jazz Artist Competition Winner Forum for World Education’s Young Leaders Music Symposium

Agenda:
10:00 – 10:15 Guest Check-in
10:15 – 10:30 Opening Performance

10:30 – 10:40 Short Break
10:45 – 11:30 “Music Education: Balancing Artistic Standards and Audience Development” Panel Discussion
11:40 – 11:55 Closing Performance
11:55 – 12:00 Group Photo

Watch Live on Zoom – https://tinyurl.com/5dpxk286

Education for Global Diplomacy and Peace Conference 2025
2025-09-24 - 2025-09-25 | Penn Club of New York, 30 West 44th Street, New York, NY, 10036, United States
Purpose & Theme
The conference centered on how international education, particularly U.S.–China educational exchange, can address today’s challenges and chart a constructive path forward. By bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and university scholars, FWE created a platform for case-based discussions, practical solutions, and visionary leadership.
Day One Highlights – September 24

Opening Session – International Education as a Bridge to PeaceFeatured leaders included Bin Yang (Vice Chancellor, Tsinghua University Council), Zhimin Chen (Vice President, Fudan University), and Fred Teng (President, America China Public Affairs Institute).

How International Education Fosters CooperationInsights from Andreas Schleicher (OECD), Serguei Netessine (Wharton School), and Lan Xue (Tsinghua University) underscored the power of education to deepen global understanding.

Business Leaders’ PerspectivesIndustry leaders from WinShore Capital, MorningSide Capital, AllianceBernstein, MEAG, and US Tiger Securities explored how international education drives innovation, workforce readiness, and global competitiveness.

Keynote AddressProfessor Jeffrey Sachs (Columbia University) delivered a powerful address on Education for Global Citizenship, emphasizing empathy, sustainability, and responsibility as foundations for peace.

Day Two Highlights – September 25

Closed-Door DiscussionModerated by Susan Sclafani (Former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Education) and Tony Gao (President of the FWE’s World Young Leaders Association), the session encouraged candid dialogue on practical solutions to overcome today’s global education challenges.

Special AddressMatt Dalio (Founder & Chair, Endless) highlighted how global learning experiences foster empathy, cross-cultural connection, and shared responsibility.

Interactive DiscussionParticipants—including Bin Yang (Tsinghua University), Fred Teng (ACPAC), and representatives from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office—examined pathways to strengthen trust and expand educational diplomacy under challenging geopolitical conditions.

Building Bridges Through Education
Throughout the two days, diverse voices—from boardrooms to classrooms, and from policymakers to scholars—joined in reaffirming that education can be the common language of humanity.
The Forum for World Education will continue to champion this mission: transforming education to meet the needs of future societies, cultivating global leaders, and advancing peace through dialogue and cooperation.
Watch the Conference:

Global Perspectives on Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education
2025-10-14 | Penn Club of New York, 30 West 44th Street, New York, NY, 10036, United States
🌍 Global Perspectives on Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education
📅 October 14, 2025
📍 The Penn Club, New York City
On October 14, 2025, the Forum for World Education (FWE) successfully hosted the Global Roundtable on Technical and Vocational Education at The Penn Club of New York under the theme “Global Perspectives on Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education.”
The event brought together distinguished leaders and experts from the OECD, Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training, U.S. Department of Labor, New York City Department of Education, the Louisiana Board of Regents, and leading universities around the world. Together, they explored how vocational and technical education can address the challenges of global industrial transformation and the future of workforce skills.(This event was supported by New Empire Corp.)
Education as Diplomacy: Collaboration for a Changing World
The forum was moderated by Sara Salahaddin Mustafa, FWE Young Leader and founder of ConnectED MENA.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Cheng Yan Davis, Chair and Co-Founder of FWE, emphasized that in an era of rapid technological and industrial transformation, nations must embrace the spirit of “Education as Diplomacy” to foster inclusive skill development and global collaboration. She emphasized that education is not only a driver of economic growth but also a foundation for peace, understanding, and sustainable progress.
Redefining the Global Skills Ecosystem
Dr. El Iza Mohamedou, Director of the OECD Centre for Skills, shared OECD’s latest research, noting that nearly 40% of the global workforce is employed in jobs unrelated to their field of study, and urged a shift from “degree-based” to “skills-based” education systems.
Dr. Erik Swars, Head of International Affairs at the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training, presented Switzerland’s dual-track model as a successful reference for global collaboration in vocational education.
Mr. Brent Parton, President of CareerWise USA and former Acting Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, and Dr. Tristan Denley, Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Innovation at the Louisiana Board of Regents, discussed innovations in U.S. apprenticeship systems and higher education reforms.
Mr. Duane Hughes, Chair of the UBS Americas Advisory Council, offered an industry perspective on leadership, inclusivity, and the private sector’s role in workforce transformation.
Cross-Sector Dialogue: Building Bridges for Future Cooperation
During the luncheon networking session, participants from Switzerland, the U.S., China, and other countries exchanged insights on public-private partnerships (PPP), international apprenticeship models, and the integration of AI in education.
Ms. Olivia Gachoud, Head of the Office of Science, Technology, and Education at the Embassy of Switzerland in the U.S., highlighted the importance of transnational education networks in youth skill development.Ms. Jane Martinez-Dowling, Director of Student Development at the New York City Department of Education, shared best practices from the city’s Career Connected Learning initiative.Prof. Xigang Xie, Vice President of Hunan Industry Polytechnic College, presented China’s advancements in industry-education collaboration.
Industry and Education: Pathways to the Future
Speakers from academia and industry showcased the transformative role of businesses in vocational training and talent development:

Dr. Zoe Che-Yi, Vice President of Geely Talent Development Group, discussed global strategies for enterprise-education integration.

Mr. Michael Jiang, CEO of USX Robot Inc., explored applications of AI and robotics in future workforce training.

Ms. Inarbi Nicole, Founder of Billionaire Moms, shared her initiatives empowering women through education and entrepreneurship.

Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways
The forum concluded with a joint reflection by Dr. Rebecca Maynard, Professor Emerita at the University of Pennsylvania and former Director of Evaluation at the U.S. Institute of Education Sciences (IES), and Dr. Cheng Yan Davis, FWE Chair and Co-Founder.
Dr. Maynard emphasized that evidence-based policy and international collaboration are essential to building effective education systems, while Dr. Davis called for continued engagement in educational diplomacy to advance equity, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Education Connects the World Collaboration Creates the Future
From policy to practice and from academia to industry, the FWE 2025 Global Conference on Technical and Vocational Education showcased how international cooperation can shape the future of learning and work.
Participants agreed that the coming years will be pivotal for transforming global vocational education and deepening cross-border partnerships. FWE remains committed to fostering dialogue among educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure education continues to serve as a bridge for peace, progress, and sustainable development.

▶️ Watch the full event recording here:

FWE × FC Harlem MOU Signing | Welcome Dinner for FWE Board Members
2025-11-04 17:30 - 20:00 UTC | Penn Club of New York, 30 West 44th Street, New York, NY, 10036, United States
On November 4, 2025, the Forum for World Education (FWE) hosted a special dinner at The Penn Club of New York to welcome Mr. Guangfa Wang, Chairman of Fazheng Group, and Ms. Jun Pan, Vice President & CEO of Fazheng Group — both esteemed FWE Board Members.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Fazheng Group for their generous sponsorship and continued commitment to advancing FWE’s mission of global education and social responsibility.

During the evening, FWE and FC Harlem Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a long-term partnership to promote sports-based education, vocational training, and youth leadership.

Under the agreement, FWE will serve as FC Harlem’s educational and vocational partner, providing global expertise and strategic guidance to strengthen programs that empower young people both on and off the field.

This collaboration embodies our shared belief that education and sports together can bridge communities, foster diplomacy, and create global opportunities for the next generation.
