New York, May 31, 2024 – Christine Choi, Secretary for Education of Hong Kong, visited New
York on May 31, 2024, accompanied by Dr. Rebecca Maynard, Trustee Professor at the
University of Pennsylvania and Chair of FWE’s Academic Planning Committee, who
represented FWE’s leadership visited Teachers College Community School (TCCS) and met its
principal, Ms. Michelle Verdiner. She learned about the school’s child-centered learning
environment and its participation in New York City’s Algebra for All initiative, which prepares
students to master algebraic concepts and skills by the end of eighth grade.

On the same day, Dr. Choi met with members of the Forum for World Education (FWE) Committee to discuss sustainable education development and the challenges and opportunities ahead. She also discussed issues related to primary and secondary mathematics education and mathematics teacher training with Dr. Yvonne Lai, an expert in mathematical knowledge for teaching and Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

During her visit, Secretary Choi expressed strong support for the FWE World Education Forum
and the upcoming conference in Switzerland. She highlighted the importance of collaboration
between FWE and UNESCO in advancing global education initiatives.
Secretary Choi’s itinerary included attending the International School Headmasters’ Conference,
where she emphasized several key outcomes:

1. Highlighting the importance of the Forum for World Education, Secretary Choi
   met Mr. Edward Shanahan, former headmaster of Choate and founding principal of Keystone
   Academy. She expressed a desire for future international school headmasters’ forums to be
   held in Hong Kong, showcasing the city’s commitment to global educational dialogue.
2. Voicing her enthusiastic support for the FWE conference in Switzerland, where
   she has been invited to deliver a keynote speech.
3. Promoting math education in Hong Kong, Secretary Choi showed significant
   interest in collaborating with FWE on initiatives involving Shanghai, London, New York, and
   Hong Kong.
4. Discussing plans to organize an international school headmasters’ roundtable in
   Hong Kong, focusing on international school curriculum development.
5. Extending heartfelt gratitude to Secretary Choi for her participation in FWE
   discussions and thanking Teachers College for arranging the visit to TCCS.

Secretary Choi’s visit underscores the ongoing collaboration between Hong Kong and
international educational bodies to foster innovative and inclusive education strategies
worldwide.

Link to article: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/03/P2024060300200