CBSE Hosts First International Sahodaya Conference in Dubai
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has hosted its first-ever International and 31st Annual Sahodaya School Complexes Conference in Dubai, marking a significant expansion of its flagship educational collaboration platform beyond India for the first time.
The two-day event, held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, gathered over 1,000 school leaders, educators, and policymakers from CBSE-affiliated institutions across the world. Themed “Rooted in Wisdom, Rising with Vision: Reimagining Education through NEP 2020,” the conference focused on advancing global collaboration and promoting holistic, future-ready education aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The conference aimed to strengthen partnerships among CBSE-affiliated schools worldwide and to develop actionable strategies for implementing NEP 2020 across diverse educational settings. It also showcased innovative practices in teaching, school management, and student development, with an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship.
CBSE highlighted the UAE’s vital role in its global education network, noting that 106 CBSE schools operate in the UAE and 213 across the Gulf region, collectively serving around 250,000 students. The event underlined the Gulf’s growing importance as a hub for quality education and cultural exchange.
During the conference, CBSE announced key initiatives, including the introduction of Standard and Advanced subject levels from Class 9 onwards starting in the 2026–27 academic year, and the launch of the CBSE Global Curriculum 26, designed to provide an affordable, internationally benchmarked curriculum rooted in Indian educational values.
The conference also addressed wider educational reforms guided by NEP 2020, highlighting India’s ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive, flexible, and innovation-driven learning ecosystem. The sessions covered themes such as teacher training, infrastructure development, and curriculum modernisation through schemes like Samagra Shiksha.
Renowned educationists and policymakers emphasised the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence, communication, and compassion alongside academic excellence. The discussions reinforced that holistic learning—balancing STEM education with soft skills—remains central to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.
The inaugural session featured senior CBSE officials, regional directors, and education regulators from the Gulf region, underscoring the significance of global collaboration in shaping the future of education.
