The idea of the ICMI Study 13 is outlined as follows: Education in any social environment is influenced in many ways by the traditions of these environments. This study brings together leading experts to research and report on mathematics education in a global context. Mathematics education faces a split phenomenon of difference and correspondence. A study attempting a comparison between mathematics education in different traditions will be helpful to understanding this phenomenon.

Frederick Leung is a professor of mathematics education at The University of Hong Kong, specializing in international comparison of curriculum, and the relationship between culture and mathematics teaching and learning

Klaus-D. Graf is a professor of computer science at Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany, specializing in applications in education and society

Francis Lopez-Real is a professor of mathematics education at The University of Hong Kong, specializing in problem-solving and dynamic geometry