ICHEI visited UNESCO Headquarters officials
From September 2 to 5, 2025, the delegation from the International Center for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (hereinafter referred to as "UNESCO-ICHEI") visited officials at UNESCO Headquarters during their participation in Digital Learning Week 2025. The delegation visited the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, the Future of Learning and Innovation Team, and the Division of Priority Africa Coordination. The parties held a series of working discussions on topics including the application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in higher education, as well as the development of higher education in Africa.
Discussion with Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems on Promoting Capacity-Building for Higher Education Professionals The delegation from UNESCO-ICHEI held discussions with Mr. Borhene Chakroun, Director of Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, Mr. Noah Webster Sobe, Chief of Section for Higher Education, and other colleagues. The parties agreed to establish a regular communication mechanism and explored collaborative initiatives, including the development and promotion of the "AI + Disciplines" course series, integration of online resources, and formulation of higher education policy recommendations for the digital and intelligent era. In addition, the two sides explored leveraging the platform and course resources of the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) to actively support the implementation of the "Campus Africa" flagship project, aiming to enhance the digital skills and AI literacy of higher education professionals in Africa. UNESCO-ICHEI visited Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems Exploration with Future of Learning and Innovation Team on Enhancing Higher Education's Adaptability in the Age of Artificial Intelligence During the visit to the Future of Learning and Innovation Team, the UNESCO-ICHEI delegation met with Mr. Sobhi Tawil, Director of the Team, and Ms. Shafika Isaacs, Chief of Section for Technology and AI in Education. The discussions focused on the development of AI competency frameworks for higher education faculty and students, as well as AI policy formulation for higher education institutions. The parties further explored ways to deepen collaboration through sharing partner network resources and enhancing AI governance capacities in higher education institutions, aiming to strengthen the adaptability and resilience of global education systems in response to technological transformation. UNESCO-ICHEI visited Future of Learning and Innovation Team Discussion with Division of Priority Africa Coordination on the Digital and Intelligent Development of Higher Education in Africa The UNESCO-ICHEI delegation held discussions with Mr. Mohamed Elfarnawany, Director of the Division of Priority Africa Coordination, and his team. Mr. Elfarnawany emphasized that UNESCO-ICHEI's work in expanding global partnerships and advancing faculty empowerment training has provided strong support for the implementation of UNESCO's "Priority Africa" agenda. The two sides focused the discussion particularly on enhancing AI literacy among female faculty in Africa. Furthermore, both parties expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation. Leveraging its cross-sectoral coordination role and resources across Africa, the Division of Priority Africa Coordination expressed its willingness to work with UNESCO-ICHEI to utilize the IIOE platform, course resources, technical support, and capacity-building services to jointly advance the digital transformation of higher education in Africa and the achievement of gender equality goals. UNESCO-ICHEI visited Division of Priority Africa Coordination About Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems As one of the six departments of the Education Sector at UNESCO Headquarters, it is responsible for supporting Member States in developing and implementing inclusive lifelong learning policies and systems, covering formal, non-formal, and informal learning. Its work focuses on promoting learning opportunities for all throughout life through research, capacity-building, and cooperation. About Future of Learning and Innovation Team It is one of the six departments of the Education Sector at the UNESCO Headquarters. Under the leadership of the Assistant Director-General for Education, it serves as a think tank within the Sector, dedicated to reimagining education and advancing a more just and sustainable future. Its work focuses on three key areas: educational research and foresight, technology and learning, and knowledge and innovation. About Division of Priority Africa Coordination As part of UNESCO Headquarters, the Division is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the “Priority Africa” strategy, coordinating projects across education, science, culture, and communication, and supporting African countries in achieving sustainable development. At the same time, it promotes regional and global collaboration and exchange through flagship projects and partnership mechanisms.
