The Committee’s vision for this year’s conference is to embrace the role we play as social science teachers – in equipping our students to be critical citizens. Social science educators play a vital role in preparing students to become critical, informed, and active citizens through their deep insights into societal, geographic, historic, economic, political and other issues.

But, as we look to the future, we are conscious that we are in unpredictable and uncertain times – hence the reo Māori question: Te Pae Tawhiti: Kei te mauritau te hunga nei? Stepping into the distant horizons, this question asks whether we collectively are settled and prepared for the challenge ahead? Are we deliberate within ourselves?

SocCon 2025 offers an opportunity to step into the future together with hope – to take on challenges, such as rising social polarisation, deep fakes, and misinformation, while also grappling with the complexities of social, cultural, and environmental issues, both past and present.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, these challenges and opportunities are further deepened by our commitment to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and our understanding that citizenship and belonging are expressed in diverse ways. Helping students to critically engage with local and global issues is key to their development as future citizens.

SocCon 2025 will provide all social science educators (primary and secondary) with invaluable insights, creative teaching strategies and resources and inspiration from leading speakers, researchers, and educators. You will be equipped to inspire students with fresh perspectives and practical tools.