Asia Montessori Conference 2026
アジア・モンテッソーリカンファレンス 2026
Theme: From Diversity to Peace
20 to 22 July 2026 | Okinawa, Japan
About the Conference
The educational philosophy proposed by Montessori is universal in nature, grounded in respect for each child’s independence and self-discipline. It continues to be carried forward and practiced around the world today.
This conference serves as a platform for sharing research and real-world practices of Montessori education across Asian countries, with the aim of deepening collective learning and supporting further growth and development.
Through this conference, we seek to nurture an attitude of living with respect for diversity and with compassion for others, and to demonstrate “world peace” through concrete actions, not merely ideals.
Organized by:
Conference Organizer & Title Sponsors
Primary Organizer
Theme: From Diversity to Peace
In today’s increasingly fragmented world, diversity is no longer just a value we talk about. It is the reality children are growing up inside. They will live, learn, and work across differences of language, culture, ability, temperament, belief, and background.
The question is no longer whether diversity exists. The real question is what we do with it.
Because diversity can divide when it is misunderstood.
But when guided well, it becomes one of humanity’s greatest strengths.
That is why our theme is From Diversity to Peace.
This is not about peace as a slogan. It is about the process of getting there.
Maria Montessori believed that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the result of a different way of living and educating, one that teaches our children how to live with others, rather than against them.
At AMC 2026, we explore:
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How adults model healthy ways of handling differences
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How learning environments can nurture dignity, empathy, and self-discipline
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How children can grow up not fearing diversity, but understanding it
Because peace is not a destination.
It is a practice we live every day, and pass on to the next generation.
多様性から平和へ
“An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking.”
- Dr. Maria Montessori, Education and Peace (1949), pg.30
Why You Cannot Miss This Conference
AMC 2026 is designed for people who work with children in real environments.
Classrooms, schools, centres, homes, and communities where decisions must be made every day.
It is a conference for learning what to do, how to do it, and how to do it better. Here is what you will gain:
🔹 Learn How to Manage Diversity in Real Classrooms
Gain practical strategies for guiding children through differences in temperament, ability, culture, and communication styles. Learn how to reduce exclusion, prevent bullying, and create environments where every child can participate meaningfully.
🔹 Turn Values Into Skills You Can Apply Immediately
Move beyond abstract ideals such as respect, compassion, and peace. Learn concrete methods used by in-service educators to translate these values into language, routines, environment design, and daily responses that shape children’s behavior in observable ways.
🔹 Strengthen Your Professional Judgment for Complex Situations
Strengthen your ability to respond calmly and wisely when situations are not simple, including conflict between children, misunderstandings across cultures, and challenges that do not have one clear answer.
🔹 Learn from Practitioners Who Do the Real Work
Every approach shared is grounded in lived practice. These are methods tested in real schools, classrooms, and communities, refined through experience and used by educators who work with children every day.
🔹 Join a Community Shaping the Future of Education in Asia
Connect with educators, professionals, and parents across Asia who share one mission, to raise a generation capable of living well with diversity and creating peace through everyday action.
AMC 2026 is where philosophy becomes practical skill, and where educators leave with clearer judgment, stronger tools, and greater confidence in what they do every day.
Music Town Oto Ichiba
Japan, 〒904-0031 Okinawa, Uechi,
1 Chome−1−1 3階
Conference Venue
This conference will take place across three nearby venues in Okinawa City, each serving a different purpose within the program. Together, they form one integrated conference experience, with clear wayfinding and smooth movement between sessions.
All venues are located within the city area and are organised into three stages.
Blue Stage - Music Town Otoichiba
Japan, 〒904-0031 Okinawa, Uechi, 1 Chome−1−1, 3rd floor
The Blue Stage serves as the main conference venue.
This is where all keynote lectures will be held, along with selected breakout sessions. It is the central gathering point for the conference and where participants will come together for shared learning experiences.
Green Stage - Startup Cafe Koza
1 Chome-7-8 Central, Okinawa, 904-0004, Japan
The Green Stage hosts breakout sessions
This venue is designed to support discussion, exchange of ideas, and smaller group learning, offering a different pace and atmosphere from the main hall.
White Stage - Okinawa Civic Small Theater
Japan, 〒904-0004 Okinawa, Central, 2 Chome-28-1 Employment Promotion Facility 3F
The White Stage is dedicated to breakout sessions and focused presentations.
With its theatre-style setting, it provides an intimate environment suitable for deeper exploration of practice, dialogue, and reflection.
Ticket Prices
What You Will Walk Away With
Skills That Increase Your Professional Value
Clear, Transferable Classroom Practices
Practical Approaches to Inclusion and Belonging
Tools for Managing Classrooms Without Burnout
Stronger Communication With Children, Parents, and Colleagues
A Pan-Asian Network of Educators, Leaders, and Practitioners
Access to Leadership, Training, and Collaboration Opportunities
(Conference Only Opportunities and Special Access)
Priority Access to Professional Courses and Certification Pathways
(Exclusive Conference Offers)
Direct Access to Partner Resources, Services, and Institutional Support
(Conference Only Benefits, Special Programs, and Participant Discounts)
Conference Schedule
Day 1
20 July 2026, Monday
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Opening Ceremony
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Keynote Speech 1
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Lectures
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School Visits (PM)
Day 2
21 July 2026, Tuesday
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Keynote Speech 2
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Lectures
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Breakout Sessions (PM)
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Gala Dinner
Day 3
22 July 2026, Wednesday
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Breakout Sessions (AM)
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Professional Dialogues (PM)
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Special Presentation
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Closing Ceremony
Local School Visits on 20 July
Hoshi no Shizuku Nursery School
Address: 1686 Umosa, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
Website: www.hanejifukushi.com/hoshinoshizuk/
Michisio Nursery School
Address: 4-26-20 Tohara, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture
Website: www.jinfukusikai.com
Persimmon Nursery School
Address: 1-11-17 Maeda, Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture
Website: www.kaki-nomi.com
Important Notes:
1. Participants will be transported by coach bus for the duration of the tour. Please be ready to board the bus at the designated pickup location.
2. Buses will depart promptly at the scheduled time. Latecomers will need to arrange their own transportation at their own expense.
3. Ground rules for the tour will be announced on the bus. All participants are expected to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a respectful and smooth experience.
4. Please note that taking photos or videos may be restricted in classrooms with ongoing sessions to protect the privacy of children. Participants must follow all photography rules during the tour.
More Than a Conference:
The Asia Montessori Association
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AMC 2026 is part of the Asia Montessori Association (AMA), a regional platform for ongoing professional development, collaboration, and leadership across Asia.
The conference is one of many learning opportunities.
AMA membership gives you continued access to training, partnerships, and value adding services long after the event ends.
AMC is where many people first encounter the community.
AMA is where that learning continues.
If you are looking for more than a single event, and want to be part of an ecosystem that supports your work with children throughout the year, membership in the Asia Montessori Association is your next step.
Become a Sponsor
The Asia Montessori Conference Okinawa is made possible through the support of organisations and partners who share a commitment to education and the well-being of children.
Through sponsorship and advertising cooperation, supporters contribute directly to the successful delivery of the conference while gaining meaningful visibility within a regional community of educators, schools, and institutions across Asia.
Sponsors will be acknowledged in official conference materials and benefit from opportunities to connect with participants throughout the event. We warmly invite interested organisations to explore the sponsorship options below.
Sponsorship applications close on 10 June 2026.
Main Sponsors
Sponsor Organizations
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Supporting Organizations
