Dr Chileshe to Represent Mopani at Global Education Conference
Mopani Copper Mines PLC is delighted to announce that its Training and Development Manager, Dr Christopher Chileshe, has been invited to serve as a Keynote Panelist at the Institute for the Future of Education (IFE) Conference 2026, one of the world’s foremost platforms for advancing innovation in education.
Formerly known as the International Conference on Innovation in Education (CIIE), the 12th edition of the IFE Conference will take place from 27th to 29th January 2026 at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.
The event is expected to attract over 4,000 participants, including more than 3,000 in-person delegates, comprising university presidents, academic leaders, policymakers, and global education innovators.
IFE Conference Organising Committee President, Mr José Escamilla, highlighted that Dr Chileshe’s invitation recognises his outstanding expertise and leadership in educational innovation, higher education, and lifelong learning, as well as his significant contributions to skills development and workforce transformation within the mining and industrial sectors.
In addition to leading Mopani’s training and capital development programmes, Dr Chileshe was recently elected Chairperson of the newly established Mining Sector Skills Body, representing the Zambia Chamber of Mines in an industry-led initiative to transform Zambia’s skills development landscape.
The initiative is actively supported by the Ministry of Technology and Science, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, the International Labour Organisation, and the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA), among other key stakeholders.
At the conference, Dr Chileshe will share insights from pivotal education and training initiatives he has led and contribute to high-level discussions shaping the future of education globally.
Commenting on his invitation, Dr Chileshe said: “I am deeply honoured to participate in a global platform that is shaping the future of education and workforce development. This opportunity allows us to showcase the work being done at the Mopani Central Training Centre on an international stage, as we advance our vision of establishing MCTC as a Centre of Excellence aligned with global best practice.”
Since its inception in 2006, the IFE Conference has served as a premier forum for transformative educational practices, with past keynote speakers and panelists including Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman and presidents and leaders from globally renowned institutions such as the University of Edinburgh, Georgia Institute of Technology, Arizona State University, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
Dr Chileshe’s participation places Mopani Copper Mines PLC among a distinguished group of global organisations contributing to thought leadership in education, innovation, and human capital development.
“This international recognition reflects Dr Chileshe’s professional excellence and underscores Mopani’s steadfast commitment to learning, innovation, and sustainable talent development in support of both national priorities and global development goals,” said Mopani Copper Mines PLC Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Charles Sakanya, congratulating Dr Chileshe.
