Virtual School Australia is a leading platform in Australasia dedicated to fostering global empathy and empowering individuals through education, the arts, and innovative conferences. Our mission is to inspire positive change and build a more compassionate world through the Global Empathy Conferences. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Virtual School Australia has been at the forefront of hosting transformative annual Global Empathy Conferences. Past conferences in London, Adelaide, Seoul, and Prague have engaged a diverse, global audience.
Join us for our 7th Global Empathy Conference in person or virtually at the University of California, Santa Cruz Silicon Valley on Saturday, May 24, 2025 (Pacific Time).
This prestigious event gathers esteemed researchers, academics, writers, classroom teachers, and students from around the world. The theme, "Empathy in Action," underscores our commitment to sharing valuable insights, best practices, and groundbreaking research in empathy.
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A World United by Empathy
The 2025 Global Empathy Conference is a pioneering initiative, uniting
Empathy Circle California and
Virtual School Australia with educators, school leaders, and organizations from every corner of the globe. This vibrant event is a celebration of empathy’s transformative power to shape our communities, classrooms, workplaces—and the world!
✨ Why Attend?
- Explore: Dive into groundbreaking ideas, stories of "Empathy in Action", and cutting-edge research that reveals how empathy fosters personal growth, social cohesion, and global understanding.
- Learn: Gain fresh insights on topics like the science of empathy, technology's role in enhancing empathy, and how the arts, education, and environmental awareness bring empathy to life.
- Connect: Engage with educators, professionals, and renowned guest speakers from diverse fields, all sharing their inspiring practices and experiences.
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Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025
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Time: 8:00 AM (Pacific Time)
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Where: A Hybrid Event : You can join in person or join virtually from Anywhere in the World!
💡 What’s Happening at the Conference?
- Key Topics:
- The Science of Empathy: Explore the latest neuroscience breakthroughs and how technology like AI is advancing empathy.
- Empathy in Arts, Science, and Education: Discover inspiring practices in literature, performing arts, music, and more that foster empathetic communities.
- Workshops and Discussions: Hands-on experiences Benefits of the EMPATHY CIRCLES (California, USA), how can we create a culture of Empathy?
- To Register visit:
https://7thGEC.eventbrite.com.au
💥 BONUS Perks for Attendees:
- A certificate of attendance to mark your participation.
- Access to inspiring stories and projects that empower individuals to create change through empathy.
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Inclusive Registration:
This not-for-profit initiative ensures accessibility for everyone. Virtual attendees in countries with unequal exchange rates can adjust their contributions—or request free attendance by emailing
admin@virtualschoolaustralia.com.au.
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Why Join Us?
Be part of a movement that inspires educators, students, parents, and professionals worldwide. Together, we can reflect on our planet’s future, engage in pro-social behaviors, and harness the transformative power of empathy to shape global communities.
Let’s inspire, celebrate, and amplify empathy—one story at a time.
For further details, reach out to us at [Insert Contact Information].
We can’t wait to see you there!
International Collaboration: In 2024, a significant partnership between the University of California, Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Department of Education and the Department of Education and Social Work at the University of Sussex highlighted empathy’s role across cultural contexts. In 2025, we look forward to students, researchers, and academics from various continents sharing their experiences and insights, emphasizing the universal importance of empathy in shaping lives.
We look forward to welcoming you in California, USA!
Stay Tuned for 2025 GEC Speaker and Delegate Information
Check back here soon for updates on our distinguished speakers and conference delegates.
More details coming soon!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO
THE CHARLES UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ARTS, PRAGUE
On behalf of the 2024 Global Empathy Conference, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Charles University, Prague, admin and Tech team for your exceptional support and hospitality during our recent conference. The smooth running of the conference was a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the Charles University staff. We truly appreciate all the hard work and meticulous attention to detail, which contributed significantly to the success of our gathering. Please convey our sincere thanks to everyone involved. Thank you once again for playing such a crucial role in making 6th Global Empathy Conference in Prague a memorable one.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all the speakers who contributed to the success of the 2024 Global Empathy Conference. For those who may have missed any sessions, we are pleased to announce that recordings of key presentations will be made available on this platform. Please continue to check this space for updates.
Additionally, we are delighted to inform the Elaine Hobson entrants that your contributions will be featured in the June edition of our Virtual School Australia Newsletter. Thank you for your valuable participation and continued engagement.
The 6th Global Empathy Conference commenced with a "Welcome to the Country" address delivered by student ambassador Ruby Hand. This was followed by a welcome message from Taryn Hand, Ruby's mother, who is both a parent and an educator from Queensland, Australia, often referred to as the Sunshine State.
An Opening Speech by the Conference Chair, Dr Sharmila Roy, PhD
A Message from the 2024 Prague GEC Conference Convenor, Mrs Madhumita Basu
First Keynote Speaker: Dr Marcelo Staricoff, PhD, University of Sussex, UK
Prof R Banerjee's Keynote Speech.
Below is a Panel Discussion (Participants: the students from the University of California at Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension and the students from the University of Sussex discuss Empathy in current life, in current studies, and in future times.)
Moderators: Dr Sharmila Roy Virtually from the University of California at Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension
Dr Marcelo Staricoff, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
Edwin Rutsch (Active Listening Intro) on Empathy Circle
ELAINE HOBSON LITERARY FESTIVAL
1. “Luka Chipi”, First Place
Parthivi Kapur, Year 10
Sardar Patel Vidyalaya
New Delhi, India
2. “In seeing the invisible” - Second Place
Parth Vohra, Year 10
Hill Spring International School
Mumbai, India
3. “Keys of connection- Third Place
Annika Jain, Year 10
Oberoi International School
Mumbai, India
Captured:- A Snapshot from the Stolen Generation, Australia
Ruby Hand
Trinity Lutheran College
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Interested to join us next year, if yes let us know.
Write to admin@virtualschoolaustralia.com.au
More recordings will be added soon.
Virtual School Australia is a leading platform dedicated to fostering global empathy and empowering individuals through education and innovative conferences. The mission is to inspire positive change and create a more empathetic world, through the Global Empathy Conferences. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Virtual School Australia has been at the forefront of offering transformative Global Empathy Conferences annually. Drawing from the success of past editions held in London, Adelaide, Seoul, and Prague which attracted a diverse and enthusiastic global audience.
This prestigious event aims to bring together a diverse audience, including esteemed researchers, academics, writers, classroom teachers and students from around the world. The theme of "Empathy in Action" underscores the conference's mission to share invaluable insights, exemplary practices, and groundbreaking research in the field of empathy in action.
International Collaboration: A notable collaboration between the University of California Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Department of Education and the Department of Education and Social Work at the University of Sussex showcased the intersection of empathy across different cultural contexts. Students from two continents shared their experiences and insights, highlighting the universal relevance of empathy in shaping lives.
Moderators: Dr Sharmila Roy & Dr Marcelo Staricoff.
6th GLOBAL EMPATHY CONFERENCE, PRAGUE
In our ever-evolving world, the urgency to teach empathy more explicitly than ever before cannot be overstated. In response to this pressing need, we are meticulously organising the 2024 Global Empathy Conference. Our primary goal is to bring together a distinguished assembly of international speakers, educators, and medical professionals who will generously share their extensive experiences, pioneering research, and exemplary practices. Furthermore, we intend to bridge the gap between neuroscience and empathy practices, exploring the profound connections between these two fields.
Join us in Prague and immerse in this conversation.
Programme Highlights - Keynote Speech, Panel Discussions, Case Studies and Presentations
Keynote Speakers: Renowned Professor Robin Banerjee will share his latest research findings on the social and emotional development of children and young people in educational settings. His insights will delve into the profound impact of empathy and kindness on fostering positive relationships, enhancing mental health, and promoting overall well-being within school communities. Additionally, Dr. Marcelo Staricoff, author of "The Joy of Not Knowing," will explore the principles and philosophies that form the foundation of the Joy of Not Knowing approach to education. Dr. Staricoff will highlight how empathy can champion the cause for every individual, contributing to a more compassionate and inclusive educational landscape.
2024 GEC Committee Members: Dr Sharmila Roy (Chair, USA), Dr Marcelo Staricoff (UK), Madhumita Basu (CZEC), Kenan Dzananovic (CZEC)Neena Mathew (IND), Alicja Kuberska (POL) Bozena Helena Mazur-Nowak (UK) Rajashree Imandi (UG) Paramita Roy (AUS).
Excitement fills the air as our Conference Committee extends a warm welcome to all speakers and delegates joining us for the 2024 Empathy Conference! Get ready to immerse yourself in the transformative power of empathy in action. Watch their captivating welcome videos and prepare to be fully engaged in the dynamic and insightful discussions awaiting you in Prague. Let's ignite the spark of empathy together! #GlobalEmpathyConference #EmpathyInAction #2024PragueConference.
2022 GLOBAL EMPATHY CONFERENCE, LONDON
2023 GLOBAL EMPATHY CONFERENCE SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA (A HYBRID EVENT) PRESENTATIONS:
2023 Global Empathy Conference was a collaborative initiative involving educators, school leaders, and organisations at all levels. This conference was designed to share and celebrate ideas, stories of EMPATHY IN ACTION and how ’EMPATHY’ can be integrated in the School Curriculum through the application of Project and Problem Based Learning.
STORIES & ESSAYS AT THE 2023 GEC SEOUL
A STORY BY RUBY ANTONIA ROSE HAND
AN ESSAY AND A STORY BY VEER MALHAN
A STORY BY RAIN JHA
A STORY BY MARIAM HUSAIN
A STORY BY SANAYA MASURKAR
AN ESSAY BY AYUSH RAMCHANDARAN
A STORY BY KUHU BHATTACHARYA
A STORY BY ISHAAN SURVE
Let the Conversation Continue …
At the 2023 Empathy Conference, the presentations inspired many students and professionals around the Globe to act on the strength of Empathy.
We request all delegates to fill in the following survey form. This form will help us to improve our future conferences, and it will help us to send the GEC Empathy certificates to your email.
Conference Questions
FUTURE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The questions are :
Ques 1. Where is the place of Empathy in the school curriculum?
Ques 2. What role can digital technologies play in teaching Empathy?
If you would like to participate in this discussion, please send your response to admin@virtualschoolaustralia.com.au