Villars Institute
5 May 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - We are pleased to announce that UNITAR has officially joined the Villars Institute and the Global Learning Council as a co-founder of the Global Learning Conference — a powerful partnership united by a shared mission to shape the future of education and lifelong learning.
The inaugural Global Learning Conference will take place on 15- 16 June 2025 in Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, where leading educators, policymakers, technologists and investors will convene to reimagine the future of learning and education at the critical intersection of AI and planetary health—an exclusive event to explore transformative ideas, confront rapid technological change and global challenges, and redefine lifelong learning.
A Systemic Approach to Reimagining Learning
Villars institute
Learning occurs in diverse ways across different life stages, settings, cultures, and continents, shaped by local and national constraints. This conference provides a unique platform to explore, discuss, and shape new approaches by leveraging the latest tools and technological advances. Improving learning outcomes at scale for sustainable, long-term impact requires intergenerational, multinational and cross-sectoral insights, bringing together a curated community of:
- Educators and learners of all levels
- Thought leaders and practitioners from business, government, and NGOs
- Innovators and entrepreneurs, from start-ups to multinational companies, exploring the intersections of sustainability, AI, and education
- Young changemakers including the winners of the 2025 GLC Ideathons and Villars Fellows.
This unique approach and environment fosters meaningful conversations and sparks innovative solutions. It drives the community to dream boldly, feel deeply, and connect the dots—driving collaborative action toward a brighter future.
UNITAR Executive Director, Michelle Michelle Gyles-McDonnough will open the Conference along with distinguished speakers:
- Subra Suresh, President Of The Global Learning Council
- Lee Howell, Executive Director, Villars Institute
Other speakers include:
- Johan Rockström, Director Of Potsdam Institute For Climate Impact Research
- Kenneth Roth, Visiting Professor Of Princeton School Of Public And International Affairs
- Taniya Mishra, Ceo Of Surestart
- Yuhyun Park, Founder And Ceo Of Dq Institute
- Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, President
- Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General Of International Baccalaureate
- Bitange Ndemo, Kenyas Ambassador To Belgium And The Eu Government Of Kenya
Conference Details
Villars Institute
The Global Learning Conference is an exclusive, invitation-only event held at the historic Villars Palace Hotel on 15 and 16 June 2025 and co-founded by the Global Learning Council, the Villars Institute and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). This highly interactive event emphasizes active participation over mere attendance. The program features:
- High-level panel discussions
- Peer-to-peer exchanges
- Expert-led roundtables
- Community networking
Conference website: https://glconference.org/
For More Information
For any additional questions, please contact info@glconference.org.
Conference FAQ
About the Villars institute
The Villars Institute was established in 2022 as a nonprofit foundation to accelerate the transition to a net zero and nature positive economy and to restore the health of the planet. Located in the Swiss Alps, the Villars Institute is a platform for systemic change and a place for intergenerational collaboration. It is also a curator of artistic, cultural, and educational activities that promote biodiversity, planetary health, and sustainable development.