The World University Presidents Forum, held in Beijing, brought together over 500 participants from 36 countries and regions to discuss digitalization opportunities and challenges in education. The forum featured 65 university presidents who delivered speeches on various topics, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cloud computing in higher education.
Digital transformation was highlighted as a driving force behind innovation and development in universities, enabling a shift from traditional knowledge transfer to student-centered ability-cultivation models. While the participants recognize the potential benefits of digitization, they also expressed concerns about challenges such as knowledge fragmentation and the need for universities to engage in global digital governance.
Opportunities of digitalization in higher education
President Gong Qihuang of Peking University emphasized that digital transformation has brought new vitality to university innovation and development. Emerging technologies, such as AI, big data, and cloud computing, diversify teaching methods, enabling students to access various learning resources and engage in interactive activities. This shift from teacher-centric to student-centered learning is reshaping higher education.
Creating an open and integrated higher education
Xia Lixin, secretary of the Party Committee of Central China Normal University, pointed out that digitalization opens up unlimited potential and a new vision for higher education. This transformation will lead to organizational structure, functional utility, cultural form, and value proposition changes, creating a more open, integrated, and resilient form of higher education.
Addressing challenges in developing countries
Javed Mahmood Bukhari, the National University of Sciences and Technology of Pakistan’s rector, highlighted the potential benefits of education digitization for developing countries. Digitization can help address challenges related to population mobility and provide educational opportunities for young people who have left their home countries.
Ding Zhongli, vice chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, emphasized the need to accelerate the digital development of education in developing countries to promote inclusivity and fairness. High-quality education resources can be shared across schools, regions, and countries by eliminating digital barriers and narrowing the education gap.
China’s role in educational digitization
Chen Jie, vice minister of education, stated that China is committed to comprehensively implementing the national strategy for education digitization. The country aims to provide an efficient, safe, and reliable digital education platform to share education resources with society.
President Gong acknowledged that universities can no longer monopolize knowledge; knowledge production and dissemination now involve diverse subjects. This requires universities to explore and establish new talent training models to adapt to the evolving landscape.
Jacques Fremont, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Ottawa, highlighted two challenges regarding AI and technological developments. First, universities must adapt their teaching and research methods to incorporate these transformative technologies. Second, universities are responsible for ensuring that these technologies are used responsibly and do not harm society.
Actively participating in global digital governance
Zhang Pingwen, president of Wuhan University, stressed that universities should participate responsibly in global digital governance actively. This involvement is necessary to address privacy protection, ethics, and fairness arising from education digitization.
Du Yubo, president of the China Association of Higher Education, called on universities worldwide to improve the standard and regulatory system for global higher education digitization. Strengthening partnerships and cooperation among universities can address the challenges faced by the global academic community.
Collaboration for higher education reform
Stefania Giannini, assistant director-general for education at UNESCO, emphasized the core role of collaboration across disciplines and academic institutions in higher education reform. Cooperation and exchanges among universities facilitate cross-cultural understanding, knowledge sharing, and the nurturing of global citizens.
The World University Presidents Forum highlighted the transformative potential of digitalization in higher education while acknowledging its challenges. Participants emphasized the importance of adopting student-centered models, actively participating in global digital governance, and promoting university cooperation and exchanges. By embracing these opportunities and addressing challenges, the world’s universities can play a vital role in shaping the future of education in the digital age.
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