Mission
The Caucasus & Central Asia Association of IB World Schools (CCAAIBWS) is committed to fostering excellence and innovation in international education across the region.
Our mission is to:
Promote collaboration among IB World Schools in the Caucasus and Central Asia, creating a strong professional network that supports shared learning and continuous growth.
Encourage continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices through professional development, exchange of experience, and mutual support.
Advance the ethos of the International Baccalaureate (IB) by nurturing the values of inquiry, intercultural understanding, and lifelong learning.
Support schools in their implementation and development of IB programmes, helping educators and leaders sustain quality and integrity in international education.
Contribute to regional educational development, connecting global best practices with local contexts to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
History
In December 2021, the Caucasus and Central Asia Association of IB World Schools (CCAAIBWS) was established with the formation of the Board consisting of the European Azerbaijan School, the Tbilisi European School and the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Nur-Sultan. Directors of the three schools officially signed and declared the establishment of the association. This was quickly followed by the first International Experiential Learning Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 10-12 December 2021. It was hosted by the European Azerbaijan School and saw international and local experts and educators come together to share experiences and ideas.
The CCAAIBWS continues to grow from strength to strength, recently expanding its membership to a total of 36 schools. On January 31st, the association held its first online meeting, where members discussed key initiatives, including supporting schools, creating development opportunities for teachers, students, and leaders, fostering collaboration, and further promoting the association’s mission. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected interntaional community across the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Organized by the Caucasus & Central Asia Association of IB World Schools (CCAAIBWS)
Hosted by European Azerbaijan School, Baku — December 10–12, 2021
The 1st International Experiential Learning Conference marked a significant milestone in the establishment of the Caucasus & Central Asia Association of IB World Schools (CCAAIBWS). Hosted by the European Azerbaijan School in Baku, the conference brought together more than 250 participants from IB World Schools across the region and beyond, united by a shared commitment to advancing international education through experiential learning.
Featuring over 48 workshops and presentations, the event explored innovative approaches to learning by doing within the context of IB programmes — from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP). Distinguished educators, researchers, and IB leaders shared their insights on how hands-on, inquiry-based experiences can empower students to think critically, act ethically, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.
The 2nd International Experiential Learning Conference convened from December 9 to 11, 2022, once again in the vibrant city of Baku, Azerbaijan. This gathering reaffirmed CCAAIBWS’s dedication to promoting inquiry-based, hands-on learning across IB World Schools in the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Over the course of three days, educators, school leaders, and IB practitioners from around the world came together to explore how experiential learning strategies can be embedded within IB programmes. The conference featured a rich mix of interactive workshops, keynote presentations, and collaborative sessions, inviting participants to engage deeply with best practices, case studies, and innovative pedagogies.
Through shared dialogue and networking, attendees examined how experiential learning can:
Strengthen student agency and ownership of learning,
Foster real-world connections and authentic inquiry,
Bridge disciplinary boundaries by promoting transdisciplinary thinking,
Support reflective practices and continuous improvement in schools.
This second edition built on the success of the inaugural event and further cemented CCAAIBWS’s role as a regional hub for professional growth, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas in international education.
The 3rd International Experiential Learning Conference, held from 12 to 14 April 2024 in Baku, marked another milestone in the evolution of the CCAAIBWS’s mission to foster collaborative, inquiry-driven education.
Over three dynamic days, the conference attracted 950+ participants, featured 60+ workshops, and hosted 85+ speakers, including leading voices in the IB and international education communities. Keynote presenters included Olli-Pekka Heinonen (Director General, International Baccalaureate), Francesco Banchini (Chair, CCAAIBWS), Asif Jahangirov, and Darlene Fisher, among others.
Participants immersed themselves in hands-on sessions, collaborative inquiry, and visionary dialogue around how experiential learning can drive deeper student engagement, real-world relevance, and intercultural understanding. With over 60 workshop sessions offered, educators explored strategies to translate theory into practice, reflecting on challenges and innovations across the IB continuum.
This third edition reinforced CCAAIBWS’s standing as a regional hub for professional growth and cross-school cooperation. It deepened the conversation on how experiential learning can become a transformative pillar in IB education across the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Organized by the Caucasus & Central Asia Association of IB World Schools (CCAAIBWS)
Hosted at the International School of Astana, Kazakhstan — April 17–20, 2025
From 17 to 20 April 2025, Astana, Kazakhstan welcomed educators, thought-leaders, and IB practitioners from across the globe to the 4th International Experiential Learning Conference (ExLC2025) — a landmark event in the advancement of inquiry-based, hands-on learning within the IB community.
The conference launched with a HOPE Festival (on 17 April) — a celebration of innovation, community, and educational collaboration — followed by three days of immersive workshops, seminars, and learning sessions. Over 50+ seminars and workshops provided participants with hands-on experiences, strategies, and tools to integrate experiential learning into their classrooms.
More than 500 educators from diverse regions came together to exchange best practices, foster professional relationships, and deepen their commitment to meaningful, student-centered pedagogy. Participants also had the opportunity to earn an International IB Association Certificate as part of their professional development. This fourth edition, hosted for the first time in Kazakhstan, represented both continuity and expansion of the ExLC tradition — building on the successes of prior years, strengthening regional networks, and inviting new voices into the conversation about how experiential learning can transform IB education across the Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond.
Benefits of CCAAIBWS Membership
CCAAIBWS CONSTITUTION
A comprehensive guide to the fundamental laws and principles that govern the operations and practices of the CCAAIBWS Association. The Constitution outlines the rights, responsibilities, and duties of members, and lays out the framework for decision-making and conflict resolution.
