IEB at the 50th Annual IAEA Conference: A Global Dialogue on Assessment Agility

A little later than planned — but still worth sharing!

What does assessment agility look like in a world of constant educational change?This question was at the heart of the 50th Annual IAEA Conference, held in Livingston, Zambia from 21–26 September 2025. The event brought together assessment boards, examination councils, and education practitioners from across the globe to explore how assessment can evolve in response to rapid shifts in education.

The conference theme — Assessment Agility: Navigating Rapid Educational Transformations — spoke directly to the challenges shaping education today. Sessions tackled urgent issues like equity, fairness, high-stakes testing and technology integration, all framed by the need to rethink how we assess learning in a changing world.

The programme featured leading thinkers from diverse disciplines and global contexts. Experts such as Prof Sarah Howie, Prof Vukosi Marivate, and Dr Mary J. Pitoniak offered compelling insights into the challenges and opportunities of transformation. They were joined by a distinguished group of thought leaders including Prof Innocent Mutale Mulenga, Prof Kazhila Chinsembu, Prof Cally Ardington, Prof Dorothy Cynthia Nampota, Kevin E. Baird, Renske E. Kuijpers, and Dr Arnold J. Brouwer — each contributing unique perspectives on how assessment systems can remain responsive and equitable in the face of global educational shifts.

The IEB was pleased to contribute to this global dialogue, with CEO Ms Confidence Dikgole and Assessment Specialist Ms Zimbili Langa representing our commitment to assessment practices that are both forward-thinking and grounded in local realities.

Ms Langa’s presentation, Grounding Innovation in Local Context, sparked meaningful conversations around integrating South Africa’s Competency Framework into curriculum-based assessment, particularly in multilingual classrooms. Her focus on culturally and linguistically responsive practices resonated strongly with delegates, highlighting the importance of designing assessments that reflect the lived realities of learners.

The IEB’s participation in the IAEA Conference reaffirmed our role in shaping assessment conversations both locally and globally. As educational systems evolve, we remain committed to designing assessments that are agile, inclusive, and contextually relevant. Engaging with international peers not only strengthens our practice, but reinforces our position as a contributor to global thinking on assessment innovation.