UNESCO-ICHEI Attended the 2025 International Conference on Digital Lifelong Learning
From October 18 to 19, 2025, the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI) attended the 2025 International Conference on Digital Lifelong Learning: Innovation·Intelligence·Integration, co-hosted by Shanghai Open University, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UNESCO-UIL), and the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO-IITE).
The conference focused on innovative pathways for lifelong learning driven by digital technologies, with in-depth discussions on new applications and practices of AI in education and the deep integration of technology and education. Over 200 experts, scholars, policymakers, and researchers from 37 countries gathered to explore strategies and directions for advancing lifelong learning in the digital era.
During the conference, a Roundtable on the Global Network for Digital Lifelong Learning was held to review progress of 2025 and discuss future directions. The Global Network, jointly launched in 2024 by 18 global institutions, including UNESCO-ICHEI, serves as a collaborative platform to advance digital lifelong learning worldwide. In this year's session, the Global Network members and enterprise partners reunited in Shanghai to hear reports on the Global Network's achievements and future plans. Discussions centered on open educational resources, AI literacy training, collaborative research, and flagship initiatives, with participants sharing insights and recommendations for future work. The meeting was chaired by Dr. ZHAN Tao, Director of UNESCO-IITE. Dr. XIAO Jun, Secretary-General of the Global Network for Digital Lifelong Learning, presented updates on the 2025 work progress, including the development of the Global Network's website, the AI lifelong learning hub, the collection of AI literacy course resources, and related training and event activities. Looking ahead, the Global Network will focus on advancing the AI lifelong learning classroom, conducting research on AI education standards and governance, deepening international cooperation in "AI + Education", exploring micro-credentialing mechanisms, and promoting the co-creation and sharing of academic and practical outcomes. The Roundtable on the Global Network for Digital Lifelong Learning Professor LI Ming, Founding Director of UNESCO-ICHEI and Secretary-General of the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Secretariat, expressed high appreciation for the progress achieved by the Global Network. He reaffirmed ICHEI's continued commitment to supporting the network's long-term development as one of its founding members. Following this, Ms. BI Xiaohan, Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the development and ecosystem building of IIOE. She emphasised that UNESCO-ICHEI has long been dedicated to advancing the digital transformation of higher education, and that the practices of IIOE are closely aligned with the objectives and vision of the network. Ms. BI Xiaohan noted that UNESCO-ICHEI, through IIOE as a central hub and supported by its rich course resources, is committed to fostering collaborative course development, joint research initiatives, and thematic projects within the Network. She expressed UNESCO-ICHEI's willingness to work with SOU and other member institutions to advance joint initiatives under the network. She also extended an open invitation for more member institutions to join the IIOE ecosystem, to strengthen support for open universities and higher education institutions, enhance international cooperation among members, and promote the localised implementation of projects in partner countries, collectively contributing to a more integrated, intelligent, and lifelong learning system. Dr. ZHAN Tao warmly welcomed ICHEI’s proposal, and representatives from network member institutions responded enthusiastically, generating lively engagement at the session. About the Global Network for Digital Lifelong Learning The 2024 International Conference on Digital Lifelong Learning took place in Shanghai from October 24 to 25, 2024. During the event, the Shanghai Open University, in collaboration with UNESCO-IITE, jointly proposed and invited founding members to establish the Global Network for Digital Lifelong Learning. The initiative seeks to strengthen international cooperation and resource sharing, promote the wider application and innovative advancement of open education and lifelong learning, and foster greater equity and inclusiveness in global education. Through these concerted efforts, the Network aspires to bridge the digital divide and contribute to the development of a more inclusive, connected, and future-oriented global learning community.
Venue of the 2025 International Conference on Digital Lifelong Learning Opening Address of the 2025 International Conference on Digital Lifelong Learning 
