The 52nd Annual Conference of the Oceanic Comparative and International Education Society (OCIES) brought together educators and researchers from around the world to Melbourne, Australia from November 26-29, 2024. Hosted by the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and organized by a cross-university team from ACU, University of Melbourne, Monash University, and La Trobe University, the conference welcomed over 160 participants from across the Pacific region, as well as colleagues from England, USA, the Philippines, the Maldives, China, Japan, and beyond.
The event kicked off with the New and Emerging Researchers of OCIES (NERO) workshop, providing a valuable platform for networking, publishing advice, and insights from OCIES elders. The opening night reception set the tone with a generous and moving Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Cooperation, held on the rooftop looking out across Melbourne city.
The main conference program delved into the role of comparative education in our region and globally, both now and in the future. Thought-provoking keynote addresses by Professors Peter Anderson and Jioji Ravulo, as well as a panel featuring Professors Terri Seddon, Seu’ula Johansson-Fua, Ly Tran, and Eve Coxon, sparked engaging discussions. Throughout the conference, a diverse range of topics were explored through individual presentations, Talanoa sessions, and Tok Stori group discussions, fostering rich dialogue and knowledge exchange. For many participants, the conference was their first opportunity to connect with the OCIES community and to present their research in an international conference. As participants reflections below indicate, the opportunity to connect and build relationships with ducators and researchers from across the region in a safe and friendly environment is what makes OCIES such a special space. We look forward to continuing the conversations in this years’ event in Christchurch.
I think other academic conferences are competitive where OCIES is collaborative and this is where it really shines.
I really enjoyed the discussion circles. It was wonderful to hear everyone speak freely, in a non-rehearsed way. It felt like ideas could be shaped/attitudes changed in real time.
People were friendly, welcoming, and shared so many interesting ideas. My mind was really expanded.
This was my first time, and I loved how welcoming and inspiring the whole experience was. I learned so much, met amazing people, and felt like I was really part of a supportive community. It’s the kind of event that makes you want to keep growing and connecting.
This was my first time, and I found it to be an incredibly valuable experience. It was also my first time presenting some of my findings of my research, which made the experience even more special and memorable. The sessions were thought-provoking, particularly the focus on decolonizing and reimagining education, which aligns closely with my research interests. The sense of community, engaging discussions, and opportunities for networking made it a space where ideas and collaborations flourished. I also appreciated the emphasis on cultural connections, which added a personal and meaningful layer to the conference.