Reflecting on the VII EduConference 2025: A Bold Step into the Future of Education
The VII EduConference, held from 27 to 28 September 2025, in Struga, was a significant event dedicated to the transformative power of artificial intelligence in education. The conference was attended by 380 educators from primary and secondary schools across Macedonia, as well as professors and students from higher education institutions, foreign guests, social workers, IT experts, policymakers, all united by a common mission to shape a more inclusive and advanced education system.
Link to the pfoto gallery of the VII EduConference 2025.
Link to the Conference Report.
A Global Opening for a Global Vision
The conference began with a warm welcome from Dr. Marina Vasileva Connell (Scotland, UK), founder of the Friends of Education Association. She reminded the audience of Alan Turing’s wisdom: “We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done.”
Key opening speeches set a powerful tone:
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Key opening speeches set a powerful tone:
- Mr. Bojan Vasilev, President of Friends of Education, called for innovation, inclusion, and international collaboration.
- Mr. Georgi Dimitrov Head of Unit “Digital Education” at the European Commission emphasized AI’s role in building equitable and creative education systems.
- Prof. Dr. Kiril Barbareev from Goce Delchev University, Stip and Dr. Natalia Aceska from Bureau for Educational Development unpacked the opportunities and ethical challenges AI presents in Macedonian classrooms.
Hands-On Sessions and Inspiring Ideas
Throughout Day 1, attendees selected from a rich lineup of lectures and workshops spread across three conference rooms. International experts and local innovators explored everything from digital tools for machine learning to universal design for learning. Highlights included:
- Prof. Muhamed Demirbilek (Turkey) on accessible AI teaching platforms.
- Jurgita Vaitiekuniene (Lithuania) and Iglika Angelova (Bulgaria) on inclusive educational design.
- Local educators discussing real-world classroom applications of tools like ChatGPT, Canva, Magic School, Curipod, and Google Teachable Machine.
A Showstopper: The AI Kaleidoscope
Arguably the most buzz-worthy event was the AI Kaleidoscope – a rapid-fire session featuring 19 Macedonian teachers sharing how they already use free AI tools in their classrooms. From ChatGPT-fueled writing exercises to waste-sorting robots and AI-generated picture books, the creativity was astounding. This session not only trended nationally on social media but also confirmed that Macedonian educators are ahead of the curve in experimenting with AI for personalized, inclusive, and engaging learning.
Day 2: Sustainability, Gender Equality, and Safer Digital Futures
The second day continued the energy with fresh plenary talks:
- Anna Lager (Finland) introduced “Girls Go Circular,” a digital learning program promoting sustainable thinking.
- Emre Edai (Turkey) shared scholarship opportunities from NASA Space Camp Türkiye.
Three vibrant parallel sessions followed, covering:
- VR in science education by the University of Tetovo.
- UKIM and UCB Bitola’s cutting-edge platforms for personalized learning.
- Gender bias in AI by the Institute for Gender Studies.
- The launch of MKSafeNet, Macedonia’s first national center for safer internet use.
Closing Reflections: Towards a Lasting AI-Education Community
The final panel, moderated by Acad. Prof. Dr. Ljupčo Kevereski, sparked a passionate debate about the philosophical, methodological, and ethical dimensions of AI in teaching. As the conference concluded, five core messages emerged:
- Teachers are irreplaceable – AI is a tool, not a substitute.
- Equity matters – audit algorithms for bias.
- Policy must keep pace – national AI strategies and teacher training are essential.
- Interdisciplinary hooks – combine AI with sustainability and space science.
- Permanent community – a call for an open-access AI hub for all educators.
#EduConference25: A Social Media Celebration
The conference generated a powerful social media echo, with participants flooding Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X with photos, praise, and AI tool tips. The hashtag #EduConference25 captured the enthusiasm and optimism of an educational community ready to embrace the future. The VII EduConference was not just another academic gathering. It was a movement, a space for educators to be inspired, equipped, and empowered. As AI continues to evolve, Macedonia’s educators have shown they are ready to lead, not follow.
What’s Next?
The conference board announced:
- All “AI Kaleidoscope” videos will be published online (one teacher per day).
- A series of recorded online workshops will soon follow.
- All conference presentations will be freely available on the Friends of Education website.
Stay connected with the Friends of Education and get involved in shaping the future of AI-powered learning.