Education Minister welcomes the International Ministerial Advisory Panel to Northern Ireland

Date published: 7 May 2025

Paul Givan appointed the International Ministerial Advisory Panel (IMAP), in January 2025, to advise on the reform of curriculum and assessment in Northern Ireland.

During the visit, Christine Counsel, Hardip Begol, Daisy Christodoulou, Dr Harold Hislop, Dr Nina Hood and Tim Oates will take part in a number of school visits and they will also meet with Lucy Crehan to discuss in detail the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

Panel members will also take part in the TransformED Conference for school leaders on Thursday 8 May.

Welcoming the Panel to Belfast, Paul Givan said: 

“I established the International Ministerial Advisory Group earlier this year as I wanted to learn from best practice, and it is a pleasure to welcome the Panel members to Northern Ireland for the first time.

“During the visit, the Panel members will be visiting schools, engaging with school leaders, sharing best practices and insights, and challenging our thinking.

“On Thursday we are bringing together over 600 school leaders, policy makers and education partners from across Northern Ireland for a TransformED Conference. I want to share my vision to profoundly transform education in Northern Ireland and we will be talking about what TransformED means for our schools and for the future of our children.

“We must look at what works in different countries, be open to new ideas and use evidence and international experience to guide reform of our education system locally.”

In conclusion Paul Givan said: 

“The International Ministerial Advisory Group brings together world-renowned experts that can help us craft an education system that’s not just fit for today but future-proof for tomorrow. I look forward to engaging with them during their visit, learning from their international expertise and encouraging them to bring a wider global dimension to our reform work in the key areas of curriculum and assessment.”