British Council Hosts New Directions South Asia 2025 in New Delhi

New Directions South Asia 2025, the British Council’s flagship conference on language testing and assessment, is set to take place for the first time in South Asia from 21 to 22 February in New Delhi, India. The conference will bring together regional and international leaders in education, creating a collaborative platform for policymakers, educators, academics, teachers and assessment experts to exchange insights and explore cutting-edge innovations in English language learning and assessment.

Since being established in 2013, the conference has celebrated 16 editions in East Asia, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. The South Asia conference will host participants from across the region, including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, offering a unique opportunity to address the evolving demands of multilingual and interconnected educational systems. 

Organised by the British Council, the UK’s organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, this year’s conference theme is: “Technology and Tradition: the changing face of assessment in English language learning systems.” It invites meaningful discussions on how innovative technologies and traditional approaches can converge to enhance English language learning, improve assessment practices and address the diverse needs of learners in a rapidly evolving world. 

This two-day event will emphasise on enhancing employability through English language skills, harnessing AI to revolutionise English education, implementing effective assessment strategies for young learners and integrating English within diverse multilingual education contexts. It will cover the most recent global research and will promote practical tools for policy makers, education institutions, teachers, teacher educators and assessment professionals.

Harriet Gardner, Regional Exams Director, South Asia at British Council said, "Having started in 2013, the New Directions conferences exemplify the British Council’s commitment to driving innovation in English language assessment worldwide. By bringing together thought-leaders, educators and policymakers under one roof, we aim to foster meaningful discussions on the intersection of technology and tradition, ensuring that language assessment practices evolve to meet the needs of the learners in today’s world.”

Duncan Wilson, CEO BC Education India Pvt Ltd. said, “The conference is an exciting new event for South Asia, bringing together expertise from across the region and beyond to share best practice and address the evolving challenges and opportunities in English language assessment. At the British Council, we strive to foster innovation and inclusivity in education, empowering learners, educators and institutions to thrive in a multilingual and technology driven landscape.” 

Key speakers and panellists at the New Directions conference include thought leaders and educational experts in the field of English Language Assessment from across Asia-Pacific and the world, including Victoria A. Murphy, Professor of Applied Linguistics and Director of the Department of Education, University of Oxford; Evan Frendo, Training Consultant; Amol Padwad, Professor & Director, Centre for English Language Education, at Ambedkar University, Delhi, Professor Barry O'Sullivan, Director, English Language Research, British Council (UK), among others. 

The New Directions South Asia conference 2025 will provide opportunities to examine and discuss relevant topics at the forefront of dynamic English language assessment environments in the region. The discussions will be centred around four key strands: 

1. English for Employability: Examines the role of English in employment and how assessment systems can meet employers’ needs.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English Education: Explores examples of AI applications in English language education, highlighting how planning and implementation consider these factors for effective use in assessment.

3. Assessing Young Learners: Investigates all aspects of assessment and its crucial role in the holistic development and learning trajectory of young learners.

4. The Role of English in Multilingual Education Contexts: Sheds light on English language assessment policy and practice in multilingual education contexts.
   

For more information on the New Directions Conference please visit: 

https://www.britishcouncil.in/programmes/new-directions-south-asia-2025