ISTP 2025: International Summit on the Teaching Profession in Reykjavík
The International Summit on the Teaching Profession, ISTP 2025, takes place in Reykjavík, Iceland on 24-26 March 2025. Twenty-five ministers of education from leading countries in the field of education, along with heads of teacher associations, will attend the Summit to discuss education reforms.
Iceland is proud to host the 15th International Summit on the Teaching Profession, ISTP 2025. Participation is strong in this year’s Summit, with close to thirty delegations taking part, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Education International. The event is the largest international gathering of education leaders ever held in Iceland.
Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir, Minister of Education and Children, Iceland:
"It is a great honour to welcome distinguished education leaders at the start of my term as Minister. I am expecting meaningful discussions that will serve as a foundation for the Ministry and teachers to respond to the challenges the education system is facing in times of rapid change."
The discussion focuses on the teaching profession, future challenges, the work environment and professional development of teachers, and how to best implement education reforms. Participating countries will share their knowledge and experiences on how to promote quality education with strong teachers at the helm. Three themes will be addressed:
- Building a Foundation for Equitable and Inclusive Education:
The role of high-quality early childhood education and care - Supporting Educators to Foster Equity and Well-being:
How well-established services enable educators to promote inclusive, supportive learning environments - The Educator’s Role in Child-Centred Education Systems:
Educators empowering children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own future
The participating countries will report on the status of commitments made at ISTP in Singapore last year and present new commitments based on the discussions at ISTP 2025 to implement until the next summit.
Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director of Education and Skills:
“Early childhood education is a powerful means to improve children’s long-term academic, social and economic outcomes, and it is one of the most effective investments a country can make. Yet many countries across the OECD spend little on it. By bringing ministers and teachers’ unions together for open, frank conversations, the ISTP provides an important forum to challenge our approaches and learn from one another. The OECD is pleased to contribute our data, analysis and ideas to this summit.”
Dr. Mugwena Maluleke, President of Education International:
"Early Childhood Education is the bedrock of quality education, yet it remains one of the most undervalued and underfunded sectors globally. Around the world, early childhood educators—predominantly women—are among the lowest paid, most precariously employed, and often overworked, despite their essential role. At ISTP 2025, we are calling on governments to guarantee free, quality early childhood education. This commitment requires fair salaries, secure jobs, improved working conditions for teachers, and substantial investment in their professional development."
The impact of artificial intelligence on schooling will also be discussed. In addition, participants will be introduced to the Icelandic education system and policy, along with Icelandic schools through visits to local preschools, primary, and secondary schools.
Magnús Þór Jónsson, President of the Icelandic Teachers´ Union:
"The Icelandic Teachers´ Union is proud to welcome international guests to ISTP 2025, showcasing the position of the Icelandic school system in the field of international collaboration. We look forward to present to our guests the work taking place at all levels of schooling in Iceland and participating in strategic discussions on global education issues."
The former Prime minister of Iceland, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, will chair the Summit. She participated in one of the first ISTP Summits in 2012 during her time as Minister of Education.
The Ministry of Education and Children is organizing the Summit in Reykjavik along with the Icelandic Teachers´ Union, in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Education International. The event is closed to the public but the opening and closing sessions are streamed.