On October 19, 2023, Professor Li Ming, Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, the Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), at Shanghai Open University. The two parties had in-depth discussions on innovation, quality, and equality in higher education, and a network of partners and memberships.
During the meeting, Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, Prof. Li Ming emphasized that UNESCO-ICHEI is committed to enhancing the quality and efficiency of higher education in developing countries through digital technologies, promoting sustainable development, and equitable access to higher education.
Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik expressed her appreciation for the work of UNESCO-ICHEI. She stated that the ICDE shares a common vision and mission with UNESCO-ICHEI to promote innovation and inclusiveness in global higher education through open and distance education. She introduced the history and organizational structure of ICDE, as well as its major projects and activities, including the ICDE Global Presidents' Forum, Francophone Africa Project, etc. She also introduced ICDE's members and partners around the globe.
Both parties expressed that UNESCO-ICHEI and ICDE have extensive mutual interests and complementary strengths in the field of higher education. They hope to strengthen communication and collaboration to jointly promote innovation, quality, and equality in higher education. Both parties unanimously agreed to actively explore cooperation projects in the areas of open education resources, digital leadership, etc., contributing to the global higher education cause.
The International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) is a global non-governmental organization, established in 1938, with its headquarters in Oslo, Norway. It is one of the advisory bodies of UNESCO, aiming to promote the development and application of open, distance, flexible, online, and e-learning globally. It has more than 230 institutional and individual members from over 100 countries and regions, covering various levels and fields such as higher education, continuing education, vocational education, and basic education.
On October 19, 2023, Professor Li Ming, Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, the Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), at Shanghai Open University. The two parties had in-depth discussions on innovation, quality, and equality in higher education, and a network of partners and memberships. During the meeting,
