OPEN EL-EXPO – 2025
The 5th OPEN English Language Expo 2025, themed “Transforming English Language Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” aims to inspire English language educators to integrate sustainable development concepts into language teaching practices. In alignment with global education goals, this expo emphasizes the importance of sustainability in education, preparing students not only to be proficient in English but also to be responsible global citizens.
The event will provide educators (novice and experienced), trainers, educational leadership, and policymakers with a dynamic platform to explore innovative teaching strategies that incorporate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into English language education. Specifically, the expo will focus on SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing teaching practices and curricula with sustainability principles, ensuring that educators can offer high-quality education that prepares students for global citizenship.
It will also address SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through career guidance workshops and professional development, supporting educators in pursuing sustainable and fulfilling careers. The Innovation Challenge Showcase aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), promoting creative solutions to educational challenges and fostering a culture of innovation. Additionally, the expo supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) with mindfulness and stress management workshops aimed at enhancing educators' mental health and resilience.
The Expo reflects the OPEN Program's commitment to strengthening educational communities by addressing both academic and social imperatives. By showcasing best practices, promoting collaboration, and building professional networks, the event will support educators in their efforts to transform classrooms into spaces that not only teach language but also cultivate sustainable mindsets.
INTRODUCTION:
The two-day expo serves as a dynamic platform for 300+ novice and experienced English language professionals to explore the integration of SDGs (3, 4, 8, & 9) into the English language curricula. 40 OPEN alumni from across Pakistan are expected to present at the event, offering insights and practical strategies on topics that reflect the theme, “Transforming English Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”
HIGHLIGHTS:
25+ Sessions
These sessions, led by OPEN alumni, will focus on integrating SDGs such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) into English language teaching. Participants will gain insights into incorporating these SDGs into the English curriculum, thereby enhancing educational practices and preparing students to tackle global challenges.
Innovation Challenge Showcase:
Aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), this dynamic challenge will highlight creative solutions and prototypes designed to address pressing educational challenges in language teaching. Educators will present innovative ideas that promote access to quality education and foster sustainable teaching methodologies.
Information Corners/Stalls:
These stalls will connect attendees with RELO-Pakistan programs and resources, empowering them to access opportunities aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education). They will also promote global educational exchanges, enhancing the quality and reach of education.
Career Guidance Workshops:
Supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), these workshops will provide emerging educators with essential tools for career advancement. The focus will be on professional development and practical career strategies to support sustainable career paths in English education.
OPEN Alumni Success Stories:
This showcase will highlight alumni contributions to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Their innovative projects and success stories will inspire fellow educators to adopt sustainable practices and make a significant impact in their communities.
Interactive Educational Games:
Through engaging quizzes and games, the Expo will make learning about SDGs both fun and educational. These activities will promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) by making sustainability concepts more accessible to educators and learners.
Mindfulness and Stress Management Workshops:
Aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), these workshops will offer strategies for managing the pressures of teaching. By supporting mental well-being, the workshops aim to create more sustain
DIY Language Teaching Tools Workshops:
These hands-on workshops, which emphasize using local materials, will foster creativity and resourcefulness in developing teaching tools. This initiative supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting sustainable approaches to creating educational resources.
Human Library and Storytellers' Corner:
This informal, interactive space will facilitate meaningful exchanges and community building among educators, promoting SDG 4 (Quality Education). It provides a platform for teachers to share experiences that emphasize empathy, understanding, and global citizenship.
Interactive Drama Sessions:
These pop-up theater sessions will explore the use of drama as an educational tool, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education). The sessions will make language learning interactive and immersive, enhancing creativity and engagement in the classroom.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
English language professionals from all over Pakistan, interested to learn about the latest trends in English language education. They may include:
Undergraduate, graduate and post graduate academic program students
Pre-service teachers
In-service Primary and Secondary School Teachers
Tutors
Administrator
Principal
Curriculum Developer
University Professor
University Lecturer
Teacher Trainers
Linguists and Language Researchers
Academic Advisors and Counselors
ELT Material Developers
PREVIOUS EXPO'S HIGHLIGHTS:
1ST - ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXPO 2020 (GREENWICH UNIVERSITY - KARACHI)
3RD - ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXPO 2022 (GREENWICH UNIVERSITY - KARACHI)
4TH - ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXPO 2024 (GOVT. COLLEGE UNIVERSITY - HYDERABAD)
SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL
We look forward to receiving your proposals and collaborating to foster a sustainable future through English language education!
Deadline to submit your proposal is October 20, 2024
CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP
The 5th OPEN English Language Expo 2025 is fully sponsored by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) Pakistan at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad, with support from the U.S. Consulate General Karachi, and is implemented by Evolution.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The expo is scheduled for January 25-26, 2025, and will be held in Karachi. Interested Alumni from all cities/areas of Pakistan can apply. The two-way travel cost, Air tickets and commute of only selected presenters from their city of residence to Karachi will be covered. This also includes accommodation and meals.
The call for application is open to OPEN Pakistan alumni who have completed OPEN Global Online Course or RELO Tailored Courses funded by the Regional English Language Office (RELO Pakistan) at the U.S Embassy Islamabad. Female Alumni from underserved communities of Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan, Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir are highly encouraged to apply.
The expo will feature over 30+ presentations/workshops/sessions delivered by American Specialists and OPEN Alumni. Each day, Alumni will have the opportunity to network, learn new teaching methodologies, participate in games, interactive activities, alongside engaging in learning sessions.
All OPEN Alumni, including English language professionals from all regions of Pakistan, who are currently in-service teachers, administrators, principals, curriculum developers, university professors, and lecturers, are eligible to apply. Only 30 OPEN Alumni will be shortlisted to present at the expo.
- Presentations should focus on the following SDGs:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Yes, a 1-minute video introduction is required. It should include your name, city, institution, and a brief description of how the OPEN course helped enhance your teaching and align with the SDGs.
- Focus and alignment with the expo’s theme and SDGs
- Relevance to English language education professionals
- Coherence between title, abstract, and summary
- Engagement and interaction plans for participants
- Clear structure and time management
The deadline for proposal submission is October 20, 2024.
Notification of acceptance will be sent by November 10, 2024.
Please submit your proposal through the website provided above, or apply directly via the Google Form link: https://forms.gle/amRke7F6Cufd2R3Z9
For inquiries, you can contact the team at 0300-8518575 or 0320-2670493.
Yes, AI can be used, but it must not contribute more than 20% of the overall content. It should assist in refining ideas, not generating core concepts or research findings.