Honorary Members

Shalva Amonashvili

Founder of the International Center for Humane Pedagogy, Member of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine

Founder of the International Center for Humane Pedagogy and Member of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Professor Shalva Amonashvili is internationally recognised as one of the most influential voices in modern education. With more than seventy years dedicated to teaching and educational research, he developed the philosophy of Humane Pedagogy, an approach centred on the dignity, individuality, and potential of every child. His lifelong mission has inspired generations of educators around the world to move beyond authoritarian models of education and create learning environments built on respect, compassion, and personal growth. His well-known belief, “Only the one who constantly educates himself has the right to educate a child,” continues to resonate deeply within the international education community. During the Experiential Learning Conference #ExLC2026 at the European School, Tbilisi, Professor Amonashvili was recognised as an Honorary Member of the Caucasus & Central Asia Association of IB World Schools (CCAAIBWS). The recognition reflected a shared commitment across the region to strengthen education through collaboration, humanity, and lifelong learning.

Asif Jahangirov

President of the International Center for Humane Pedagogy

Asif Jahangirov is an Honoured Teacher of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President of the International Association of Educational Organisations for Humanistic Pedagogy. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held key leadership positions across Azerbaijan’s education system, including senior roles within the Ministry of Education, the Baku City Education Department, and the Azerbaijan Education Reform Project supported by the World Bank. Beginning his journey as a village teacher, he dedicated his life to improving educational quality, teacher development, and student-centred learning. His educational philosophy emphasises that every child is unique, teachers play the most important role in a student’s learning journey, and schools should continuously evolve through collaboration with families and communities. Mr. Jahangirov has represented Azerbaijan in international educational conferences and seminars across more than twenty countries, contributing to global discussions on educational leadership and reform. He currently serves as a member of the Public Council attached to the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and continues to advocate for humanistic values in education worldwide. He has been awarded the honorary title of “Honoured Teacher of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” the “Taraggi” Medal, and the Golden Badge of “The Knight of Humanist Pedagogics” by the International Centre of Humanist Pedagogics.