The 3-day International Conference of Principals hosted by City Montessori School, Lucknow (CMS), united over 500 education leaders from 4 countries to reimagine school leadership under the theme ‘Leadership in the 6 Cs Era’…
Over 500 eminent school leaders, educators, and policymakers from across India and countries including Australia, Nepal, and Mauritius convened at the International Conference of Principals, hosted by City Montessori School, Lucknow. This three-day global education conference served as a vibrant hub for thought leadership—where change-makers explored bold ideas, exchanged best practices, and charted a visionary course for the future of education.
Multi-Campus Collaboration with a Transformative Theme
The global principals’ summit was jointly hosted by the CMS Golf City, CMS Jopling Road, and CMS Rajendra Nagar II campuses. Centred around the theme “Leadership in the 6 Cs Era”, the event spotlighted Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Citizenship, and Character Building as the foundation of modern school leadership.
In her compelling welcome address, Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, Manager of CMS, stressed the urgent need for visionary leadership—
“In a world defined by rapid change and artificial intelligence, school leadership must champion values, vision, and adaptability. The 6 Cs are no longer optional—they are essential,” she remarked.
At the press briefing, she further elaborated that education must cater to the holistic development of students, fostering not only knowledge but also a global perspective and strong moral grounding. She emphasised CMS’s commitment to meaningful education through initiatives such as the Junior Youth Empowerment Programme (JYEP).
Read about Professor Geeta Gandhi Kingdon’s views on how schools are accessing teacher quality in India. Click!
Inspiring Inauguration of the Principals’ Conference
Mr Kunal Silku (IAS), Special Secretary – Labour Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, inaugurated the school leaders’ conference. Following the ceremonial lamp-lighting, Mr Silku applauded CMS’s pioneering spirit, calling the International Conference of Principals a “shining example of equity, pedagogy, and purpose in action.”
A vibrant cultural presentation by CMS students and staff followed, seamlessly blending tradition with global vision and setting an atmosphere of unity and inspiration.
Key Highlights from the International Conference of Principals
Day 1: Dialogue and Direction
The opening day featured a press briefing and a high-impact panel discussion on “Transforming Education: The Role of School Leaders”. Distinguished panellists explored leadership frameworks essential for navigating contemporary educational challenges. The day concluded with cultural performances and keynote addresses that energised and inspired attendees.
Day 2: Deliberation and Innovation
Workshops took centre stage on the second day of the principal’s conference. The key sessions included:
- “Coaching Cycles for Middle-Level Leaders” – focused on mentorship and school-wide instructional improvement.
- “Fostering a Growth Mindset for Teachers” – aimed at enhancing motivation and resilience in the classroom.
Additionally, inter-campus competitions such as PPT Presentations, Case Study Showcases, and Soft Board Decorations at the global education conference allowed participants to showcase creativity and strategic thinking aligned with the 6 Cs framework.
Expert Sessions and Insightful Dialogues
The conference featured stimulating sessions led by renowned experts. Highlights included:
- ALfA Pedagogy by Dr Sunita Gandhi – redefining foundational learning approaches.
- Artificial Intelligence and the 6 Cs – integrating technology with holistic learning.
- Shifting from Competition to Competence – advocating mastery-based education.
- School Leadership: Past, Present and Future – examining the evolving identity of educational leadership.
A powerful address by Dr Roger Kingdon, President of CMS, urged educators to forge emotional bonds with students and resolve their academic dilemmas with care. Ms Sushmita Ghosh, Superior Principal, CMS, reiterated the role of values in nurturing ideal citizens.
International Principals’ Conference: A Platform for Collaboration and Impact
The final day of the principals’ conference focused on technological integration in leadership, featuring the session “Using Technology to Enhance the 6 Cs – Best Practices and Future Directions (From HI to AI).” Educationists presented case studies on enhancing student skills and urged flexibility, innovation, and a focus on emotional intelligence alongside academics. Mr Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education India, stated:
“AI is a revolutionary tool in education, enabling instant resolution of queries and deeper subject exploration.”
Other notable speakers gracing the occasion included:
- Ms Kavita Anand, Founder-Director, Adhyayan
- Ms Anju Wal, Director, Shiv Nadar School
- Ms Alka Singh, Professor, Banaras Hindu University
The global principals’ summit also featured wellness sessions, educational workshops, and interactive presentations using teaching aids, providing hands-on insights for educational practice.
A Pledge for Purposeful Education
At the closing ceremony, delegates unanimously pledged to bring qualitative improvements in teaching methods and curricula. The conference was hailed as a milestone event, offering a blueprint for future-ready, compassionate, and competent educational ecosystems.
Ms Reema Sethi, Co-Convener and Principal of CMS Golf City Campus, expressed gratitude and said:
“This conference will empower delegates to add new dimensions to education systems in their regions.”
Warm thanks were also extended by Ms Sonali Chaudhary, Headmistress, CMS Jopling Road, and Ms Gaganpreet Sethi, Headmistress, CMS Rajendra Nagar II, who describe ICP as a global platform for educational synergy.
City Montessori School, Lucknow through the international principals’ conference, has once again proven its unwavering commitment to transformative, value-based, and future-forward education—placing students at the heart of change and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
Want to know more about the CMS participants of the international principals’ conference? Click here to read!
