On 19 October 2023, UNESCO-ICHEI was invited by Ain Shams University in Egypt to participate in the Foundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) Global Forum 2023. Mr. Sit Fung, head of the IIOE Management Center at UNESCO-ICHEI, spoke at the conference and introduced the purpose and activities of IIOE to the conference participants. The conference conducted in-depth idea exchanges and discussions on innovative methods and models of professional education cooperation, the application of online platforms and technologies in guided and collaborative learning, and the importance of partnership networks.

The FAIMER Global Forum 2023 was hosted by Ain Shams University-FAIMER Regional Research Institute for the Middle East and North Africa (ASU-MENA FRI) in Cairo, Egypt, in collaboration with Ain Shams University, FAIMER Philadelphia, and FAIMER Regional Partners. The main goal is to promote a culture of partnership and collaboration within the FAIMER community. The event aims to explore innovative approaches and models of collaboration in health professional education, using online platforms and technologies for mentoring and collaborative learning.

In response to two key questions raised by conference partners on faculty capacity building and the role of enterprises in fulfilling the mission and functions of global higher education, Mr. Sit Fung outlined UNESCO-ICHEI's approach to supporting the localization needs of global partner higher education institutions (HEIs) and explained the role of private sector in fulfilling the mission of higher education. The importance of IIOE National Centers to the IIOE community was pointed out, and it was emphasized that IIOE National Centers are the key link between IIOE and local universities to build the digital capabilities of university teachers. At the same time, Mr. Sit Fung pointed out the important role of enterprises in its partnership network. IIOE is currently working with more than 20 enterprise partners and actively seeking to expand its alliances with more EdTech companies. Enterprises are seen as important contributors to the transformation of higher education through a number of avenues, including course content, accreditation, participation of industry experts in seminars and summits, and the provision of hardware, software and tools for teaching and smart classroom projects.

In addition, Mr. Sit Fung emphasized the importance of formal cooperation with various ministries, noting that IIOE National Centers were established with strong support from ministries of education. This collaboration with the ministries contributes to the effectiveness and results of their cooperation, supporting the mission of higher education development on a global scale. Mr. Sit Fung also invited further discussions on the establishment of IIOE National Centers about strategies and next steps, and expressed willingness to facilitate this process.

During the meeting, Mr. Sit Fung also shared the achievements of UNESCO-ICHEI's work in promoting the digital transformation of higher education in developing countries, as well as the positive impact of IIOE as a flagship program on the world. He mentioned that UNESCO-ICHEI has set up 10 IIOE National Centers in Asia and Africa, which cover 87 institutions of higher learning. Online courses have been launched which benefit 12,000 educators from 135 countries and regions around the world to provide them with digital education support and training. These initiatives are aimed at empowering higher education teachers.

Meanwhile, UNESCO-ICHEI's upcoming "Transforming Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence - IIOE Global Partners Summit" aims to foster collaboration and share best practices for the digital transformation of higher education, including insights on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. UNESCO-ICHEI will launch the first round of Higher Education Digitalisation Pioneer Case Awards. Looking forward, IIOE aims to expand its reach and achieve its goal of 100,000 university teaching personnel and 100 micro-certification courses in the next 24 months, ultimately driving the digital transformation of higher education.