Alan is a STEAM teacher and sustainability champion at Jebel Ali School and the founder of Nature Wave, a UAE-based social enterprise connecting communities with nature through tech and citizen science. He’s led the country’s largest wildlife events and hosted the Middle East’s first Nature Connection Conference.

Alex is the voice behind The International Classroom podcast and Head of Sixth Form in Dubai. He champions inclusive, future-focused education through DEEP Professional, sparking global conversations on pedagogy, AI, and educator growth. Alex also designs leadership training and consults on digital strategy for schools across the region.

Catherine is a global advocate for inclusive education and co-founder of Incluzun. With nearly two decades of experience, she’s held senior roles across the MENA region, served on government and sustainability committees, and spoken at UNESCO on inclusion in Gulf education. She continues to lead conversations on equity, accessibility, and student success.

Farah leads Arabic language innovation and education strategy at Al-Futtaim. Her work spans bilingual education, global citizenship, and 22nd-century learning, drawing on her academic background in literature, leadership, and inclusive education. She is a passionate advocate for transforming education systems to reflect diverse futures.

A global EdTech strategist, author, and consultant, Neelam leads digital transformation across international schools. She advises governments, designs AI-integrated curriculums, and pioneers teacher training initiatives — all grounded in practical, future-ready solutions.

Sameera drives inclusive healthcare strategy for People of Determination at NMC. With 20+ years of experience, she's a leader in digital health, public-private partnerships, and equity-focused care across the UAE. Her work continues to bridge medical excellence with community well-being, ensuring no one is left behind.

Fiona leads Hartland Int. School and sits on the COBIS Board. Formerly at GEMS and Wilmington Grammar in the UK, she brings decades of leadership, governance, and safeguarding expertise across the international education space. She also advises on teacher training, school evaluation, and female leadership development in the UAE.

Michelle is a UK-trained inclusion and wellbeing leader. With deep experience across pastoral care, SEN coordination, and positive education, she builds inclusive ecosystems that prioritise belonging, literacy, and emotional wellbeing. Her work supports school-wide strategies that embed resilience and restorative practice.

Philippa is a globally recognised voice in digital strategy and transformation in education. Through her consultancy EdRuption and parent initiative Digital Bridge, she helps schools embed digital governance, equity, and wellbeing into everyday learning.

Sir Nick Gibb served as UK Schools Minister for over a decade under four Prime Ministers, shaping major reforms in curriculum, teacher training, and assessment. His policies on phonics, early career development, and evidence-led CPD transformed England’s global education rankings. A former chartered accountant, he is described by the Daily Telegraph as “the most influential schools minister in England’s history.”

With over a decade of experience in international school data and insights, Sami leads global research at ISC. His career spans field research, marketing, and school leadership — bringing rare breadth and data-driven vision to school improvement. He plays a key role in identifying global shifts and helping schools respond strategically.

Shen leads curriculum and assessment innovation at Misk Schools, helping students gain global recognition and access. With experience across Sydney, Dubai, and Riyadh, he champions next-gen leadership through purpose-driven education. Shen’s drive is to ensure students of the next generation will be the best leaders the world has ever seen.

Simon leads Deira International School in Dubai and oversees a portfolio of schools as Chief Education Officer for the Al Futtaim Education Foundation. A COBIS Board member and founder of the AFEF Centre for Education Action Research, he is a strategic leader focused on innovation, professional collaboration, and shaping the future of international education.

Stephen has over 20 years’ experience in operations and finance across the public and private sectors in the UK and internationally. He led the development of nationally recognised school business leadership standards and works closely with the Department for Education, using research and global insights to drive innovation and improvement in schools.

Newly appointed Headmaster at one of the Middle East’s most respected schools, Tomas blends academic rigour with philosophical depth. His leadership is grounded in moral purpose, global outreach, and character development. He brings a clear vision for what it means to educate for excellence and citizenship.