East Meets West:
Chinese Value-Based Leadership in Education (CVBLE) Conference 2026
Dates:
9–10 February 2026
Organizer:
The Academy for Educational Development and Innovation (AEDI), The Education University of Hong Kong
Call for paper
Introduction:
The Academy for Educational Development and Innovation (AEDI) at the Education University of Hong Kong is pleased to host the East Meets West: Chinese Value-Based Leadership in Education (CVBLE) Conference 2026. This conference aims to foster meaningful dialogue on the integration of traditional Chinese values into contemporary educational leadership, and to explore how these values can complement and enrich leadership practices worldwide (Li et al., 2025; Zhu & Caliskan, 2021).
Chinese Value-Based Leadership in Education (CVBLE) draws on deep-rooted traditions such as Confucianism and Taoism, emphasizing values like harmony, benevolence, and righteousness in guiding ethical leadership and governance (Hui et al., 2025; Yuan et al., 2023). These principles have the potential to shape educational leadership that is culturally grounded and globally relevant, balancing community welfare with individual growth (Bush & Qiang, 2000; Walker & Dimmock, 2002). The CVBLE Conference 2026 will provide a platform for comparative perspectives, practical insights, and collaborative approaches to advancing value-based leadership in the education sector (Abay et al., 2023).
This year’s conference will explore four interrelated themes: (1) Harmonizing traditional values in the age of globalization, (2) Strategies for leadership in organizational transformation, (3) Balancing innovation with tradition in Chinese organizations, and (4) The role of technology in promoting values-based approaches. We encourage submissions that present empirical research, theoretical insights, or practice-based case studies. We invite contributions that address the role of Chinese values in leadership development, the dynamics between tradition and innovation, and strategies for navigating educational reform in a globalized world. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, the event will connect researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share innovative ideas and foster global collaboration.
We warmly welcome your participation in shaping the global dialogue on ethical, innovative, and culturally informed leadership in education. By sharing your research, experiences, and insights, you will help expand the understanding of how traditional values can inspire forward-thinking leadership practices across diverse educational contexts. Together, we can strengthen global leadership capacities that are visionary and effective, and firmly anchored in enduring principles of integrity, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
Key dates:
Call for Abstracts Opens:
27 October 2025
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Call for Abstracts Closes:
28 November 2025
result
Notification of Results:
10 December 2025
Registration Opens:
10 December 2025
Registration Deadline for Presenters:
12 January 2026
Registration Deadline for Participants:
15 January 2026
Conference Dates:
9 –10 February 2026
Conference Themes
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Harmonizing Traditional Values in the Age of Globalization
Harmonizing traditional values with modern educational leadership offers a pathway to maintaining cultural integrity while embracing global best practices. This theme explores how Confucian, Taoist, and other principles—such as harmony, benevolence, and righteousness—can guide ethical decision-making and organizational behavior, creating leaders who are culturally grounded and globally engaged.
2. Strategies for Leadership in Organizational Transformation
Organizational transformation requires leaders to navigate change with vision and stability. This theme examines how strategic leadership, informed by Chinese values, can blend tradition with contemporary management to drive reform, strengthen institutional capacity, and foster environments that are ethical, resilient, and forward-looking in educational contexts.
3. Balancing Innovation with Tradition in Chinese Organizations
Balancing innovation with tradition enables educational institutions to adapt to change without losing their cultural foundation. This theme investigates leadership strategies, case studies, and global examples where Chinese values have guided creative practices, ensuring that progress aligns with long-standing ethical and cultural principles in education.
4. The Role of Technology in Promoting Values-Based Approaches
Technology can be a powerful ally in advancing value-based leadership when applied thoughtfully. This theme considers how digital tools, online platforms, and technological innovations can reinforce rather than weaken traditional values, supporting educational leadership that is both technologically advanced and culturally anchored.
Submission Guidelines
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We welcome contributions from educators, school leaders, policymakers, academics, researchers, and students interested in advancing the discourse on Chinese Value-Based Leadership in Education (CVBLE).
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Abstracts should be between 200 and 250 words, clearly presenting the study or project’s objectives, methods, key findings, and significance.
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Submissions must address topics within the scope of CVBLE and be connected to one or more of the conference themes: Harmonizing Traditional Values in the Age of Globalization; Strategies for Leadership in Organizational Transformation; Balancing Innovation with Tradition in Chinese Organizations; and The Role of Technology in Promoting Values-Based Approaches.
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Abstracts can be submitted in either English or Chinese.
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All abstracts must be submitted through the official online submission platform provided on the conference website. Submissions sent through other channels will not be accepted.
QR code:
Please click the link to submit your abstract: https://eduhk.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8vqlEk5LAfzJhMW
Paper Selection and Presentation Details
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All abstracts will be reviewed anonymously by a panel of experts, and the results will be announced via email on or before 10 December 2025.
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Selected papers should be presented in person by the author(s) during the conference at The Education University of Hong Kong.
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The duration for each paper presentation is 15 minutes followed by 5 minutes for discussion along with Q & A.
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The conference organiser reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the acceptance of abstracts.
Registration Fee:
All participants must settle the registration fee by the stipulated deadline to confirm their attendance.
Category of Participants
Conference Registration Fee (HKD)
EdUHK Students and Staff
Non-EdUHK Student and Staff Participant
(Only attending 2-day conference)
Non- EdUHK Student Presenter
General Presenter
Free
Free
HKD $800
HKD $1500
Notes on Payment:
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No refunds will be served for this conference. Refund requests will not be accepted.
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This conference will adopt online payment method. Payment methods are restricted to credit cards (Visa/MasterCard/Union Pay), WeChat Pay, and Alipay (AlipayHK/Alipay).
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The payment will be charged in HK Dollars (HKD). If your card is not billed in HK Dollars (HKD), please inquire about any additional fees and exchange rate with your card issuer.
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Participation is not guaranteed until full payment of the registration fee is received.
References:
Abay, S. T., Gomes, J. F. S., & Mengistu, A. B. (2023). A comparative analysis of values-based leadership theories: A review and future research agenda. The Journal of Values Based Leadership, 16(2), 211. https://doi.org/10.22543/1948-0733.1457
Bush, T., & Haiyan, Q. (2000). Leadership and culture in Chinese education. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 20(2), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2000.10600183
Li, C., Law, E. H. F., Huang, Y., & Ding, K. (2025). Balancing tradition, reform, and constraints: A study of Chinese principals’ leadership practices. Education Sciences, 15(8), Article 988. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15080988
Walker, A., & Dimmock, C. (2002). Cross-cultural and comparative insights into educational administration and leadership: An initial framework. In School Leadership and Administration (1st ed., pp. 13–32). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203616130-3
Walton, L. (2023). Confucianism and education. In J. Oldstone-Moore (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of Confucianism. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190906184.013.15
Yuan, L., Chia, R., & Gosling, J. (2023). Confucian virtue ethics and ethical leadership in modern China. Journal of Business Ethics, 182(1), 119–133. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-021-05026-5
Zhu, C., & Caliskan, A. (2021). Educational leadership in Chinese higher education. Chinese Education and Society, 54(5–6), 161–170. https://doi.org/10.1080/10611932.2021.199061