Education at a pivot point
Discussion at the 2025 Embassy Education Conference focused on the need for bold policies to meet the challenges of education in an age of disruption
“This is a moment of change; education is at a pivot point,” Chief Executive of Universities UK Vivienne Stern told an audience of education attachés and education sector representatives at the 2025 Embassy Education Conference.
Speaking ahead of major policy announcements, Ms Stern said policies should respond to the challenges facing education and society : “What do we want and need from our universities – and the education system more broadly – in this age of technology disruption, when our economy is in a semi-slump and the system is not working for society?”
She encouraged education attachés to engage in the policy debate: “We need your views, we need you as constructive partners to shape our thinking around education.”
The case for openness
In particular, those in the international education sector should argue the case for openness: “It is a privilege having a global university system. We are better when we collaborate internationally and Britain is an open and welcoming destination for international students,” said Ms Stern.
Admitting there were “difficulties” posed by the new Immigration White Paper, the universities chief argued for “policy stability” and urged government to “stop messing about with the graduate route”. She also criticised the 6% levy on international student fees as “offensive” because in her view this meant fees paid by international students would be used to cross-subsidise deficits in the UK skills system.
But she said the education sector had “powerful allies” in government and society who were arguing to keep UK education open and autonomous compared to parts of the world where this was under threat. Ms Stern welcomed legislation coming into force this summer that would protect freedom of speech and academic freedom at UK universities.
Leadership in science
In research, there was a high degree of international collaboration, she added, with more than 60% of research publications written with international co-authors. New measures introduced by the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, such as the Global Talent Fund and the Global Talent Taskforce to attract top researchers from around the world, would preserve UK’s leadership in science in a competitive era.
The new Modern Industrial Strategy would also be an “agenda-setter” for the research system, she said.
Soft power
Looking ahead to the imminent launch of the refreshed International Education Strategy, Ms Stern hoped for a more “holistic” approach that was not narrowly focused on education exports but also recognised the UK’s international reputation in education as vital to British soft power.
As a member of the Soft Power Council set up by the Labour government to amplify the UK’s global influence, she said education was a dominant topic. “Education underpins UK soft power in so many sectors – from our culture and the creative industries to the economy, law and science.”
She concluded by reminding the audience of the importance of soft power in this period of geopolitical instability: “Building strong and trusting relationships with countries has never been more important. Hearts and minds matter; alliances matter to make common cause in times of geopolitical tensions.”
Education attachés attend a briefing on student visas with Tanup Gadhia (UK Visas and Immigration) and Brian Greenwood of BUILA
Engagement
Throughout the conference education and science attachés were able to engage with education and science sector bodies as well as government policy makers in a range of breakout sessions, which covered student visas; education institutions, regulation and admissions; international student wellbeing; the role of science and technology and skills training in a modern industrial strategy; international education partnerships strategy; widening access and capacity building via trans-national education; and enhancing student mobility through scholarships and exchange programmes.
Education Attaché of the Year Dr Manea AlManea of the Embassy of Bahrain (centre) with fellow regional finalists Elías Centellas Martinez (Europe), Andrea Becdach, accepting on behalf of Gabriela Espín of the Embassy of Ecuador (the Americas), Danny Aimi of the Embassy of Brunei (Asia) and Thanisa Naidu-Lewin of the High Commission of South Africa (Africa)
Education Attaché of the Year Awards
A highlight of the Conference was the presentation of the Education Attaché of the Year Award, celebrating outstanding contribution to education diplomacy. This year delegates at the conference selected as their winner the Education Attaché of the Year for the Middle East Dr Manea AlManea from the Embassy of Bahrain.
On accepting the award, Dr AlManea said: “I am deeply honoured to be named the Education Attaché of the Year 2025. This award reflects not only my own efforts, but is also a collective achievement and a true reflection of the spirit of ‘Team Bahrain’. I really appreciate all the support, teamwork, and shared commitment that made it possible.”
Dr AlManea also congratulated his fellow finalists: “I firmly believe that every one of my esteemed fellow Education Attachés are winners, as we share a common mission of enhancing educational and research ties with the UK as well as supporting our students thriving in their academic journey.”
Dr AlManea was chosen out of a field of exceptional Regional Education Attachés, including Thanisa Naidu-Lewin, from the South African High Commission (Education Attaché of the Year for Africa); Gabriela Espín, from the Embassy of Ecuador (Education Attaché of the Year for the Americas); Mohd Danny Aimi from the High Commission of Brunei (Education Attaché of the Year for Asia); and Elías Centellas Martinez of the EU Delegation to the UK (Education Attaché of the Year for Europe).
Closing remarks: Samra Koričić Mujkić, education attaché of the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the London Education and Research Network (LEARN)
Education and conflict prevention
Closing the conference was Samra Koričić Mujkić, education attaché at the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the London Education and Research Network (LEARN), the diplomatic association for education attachés.
Speaking on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, Ms Koričić Mujkić reminded the Conference of the important role that education should play in conflict prevention: “In today’s turbulent world, education emerges as powerful tool for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Through education, we counter extremism with critical thinking, replace ignorance with understanding, and build bridges where walls once stood… Education Attachés are architects of peace – creating generations equipped with the knowledge, empathy, and skills necessary to resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than violence.”
Education attachés taking the opportunity to meet education providers over a coffee
Networking
The Embassy Education Conference was a valuable opportunity for attachés to meet and network with a range of education providers and sector bodies as well as to share information and best practice with their fellow attachés over coffee or at the summer drinks reception which concluded the conference.
MAIN PHOTO: Chief Executive of Universities UK Vivienne Stern addresses the 2025 Embassy Education Conference
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