Institute Social will host Prof. Yong Zhao, a leading scholar in education from the University of Kansas, in the latest event of its Global Reflections series. The discussion, titled “From Meritocracy to Human Interdependence: Redefining the Purpose of Education,” will take place online on September 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM (TSI).

Prof. Zhao will explore how the meritocratic model in education fosters unhealthy competition, reinforces unequal access to resources, and overlooks disparities in students’ entry-level circumstances, ultimately limiting both individual fulfillment and progress. As an alternative, he proposes a paradigm shift toward human interdependence, encouraging the development of each student’s unique talents to address real-world challenges collaboratively.

We would be delighted to have you join us in a conversation with Prof. Yong Zhao, where we will discuss the limits of meritocracy, the notion of human interdependence, and the redefinition of the purpose of education.

Date and Time: September 18, 2025, 7:30 PM (TSI)

Event Details: The event will be conducted online in English. Turkish simultaneous interpretation will be available for participants.

To attend the event, please fill out the registration form: