Dambai College of Education (DACE), Ghana, in collaboration with Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), USA, held its inaugural Annual International Research Conference on October 18, 2024. Themed “Innovative Education for a Sustainable Future: Reflecting on Transformative Learning and Development,” the event served as a platform for educators, researchers, and policymakers to share insights and solutions for advancing education and sustainable development.

Conference Overview

The one-day conference attracted 141 participants from Ghana, the USA, and other countries. Attendees included dignitaries, academic leaders, and students who engaged in lively discussions on education’s role in fostering sustainability and equity.

Keynote speaker, Prof. George Kweku Toku Oduro, emphasized the need for transformative learning approaches, critical thinking, and adaptive curricula to bridge educational disparities. Nana Mprah Besemuna III, the Special Guest of Honour, highlighted the importance of blending traditional and modern knowledge systems to address global challenges.

Presentations and Key Takeaways

The conference featured 28 research presentations categorized into online and face-to-face sessions:

• Online Presentations: Addressed themes like critical pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Face-to-Face Presentations: Spanned Arts and Social Sciences Education, Science and Mathematics/ICT Education, Language Studies, and General Education. Key topics included teacher training, curriculum redesign, cultural identity, and sustainable practices in education.

Policy and Practice Recommendations

The conference concluded with actionable recommendations to align education with global sustainable development goals (SDG 4):

• Invest in sustainability-focused teacher education.
• Enhance digital infrastructure to support technology-enhanced learning.
• Foster interdisciplinary research and partnerships to address pressing societal and environmental challenges.
• Promote ethical AI integration in research and pedagogy.

Acknowledgments and Future Initiatives

Principal Dr. (Mrs.) Benedicta Awusi Atiku expressed gratitude to participants, sponsors, and organizers for their dedication to making the event a success. She announced plans to launch the Journal of Transformative Education and Development (JoTED) and to expand the next edition of the conference.

The DACE-SEMO 2024 International Research Conference has set a precedent for innovative and impactful educational discourse, underscoring the power of collaboration in creating a sustainable future.