Promoting Educational Equity with Technology and Leading Lifelong Development through Smart Learning—Forum on “Reimagining Lifelong Learning in the Digital Age” Held in Beijing
date：2025-09-01 15:36author：adminsource：Smart Learning Instituteviews：
On the morning of August 20, the Forum on “Reimagining Lifelong Learning in the Digital Age” of the Global Smart Education Conference 2025 (GSE2025) was successfully held at Beijing Normal University. Experts and scholars from global open and distance education institutions, higher education institutions, industry, and international organizations gathered together to explore how digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the future of lifelong learning, with the shared goal of fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable global lifelong learning ecosystem.
Group photo of forum participants
Guest Speech: Opportunities and Challenges of Lifelong Learning in the Digital Age
Mr. ZHANG Shaogang, Supervisory Board Chair of China Association for Educational Technology (CAET) and Former Deputy Secretary of the Open University of China, said in his speech that digitization has seamlessly integrated the physical and virtual worlds, profoundly transforming the educational ecosystem. Teachers, traditionally regarded as cognitive authorities, are evolving into learning designers, data interpreters, and emotional companions; while students, as digital natives, are navigating learning trajectories that span both virtual and physical realms. He emphasized that scenario-based lifelong learning has become the new normal, and the internationalization of digital education is accelerating. The use of digital avatars to achieve instant translation of courses in multiple languages is steering the global learning ecosystem toward greater inclusivity and efficiency.
Mr. ZHANG Shaogang, Supervisory Board Chair of the China Association for Educational Technology (CAET) and Former Deputy Secretary of the Open University of China
Ms. Isabell Kempf, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), delivered a speech via video. She emphasized that the integration of AI and lifelong learning has become a reality, calling on the international community to effectively guarantee digital inclusion, foster critical literacy, and ensure equitable access to learning technologies. She reiterated that lifelong learning should be recognized as a fundamental human right, advocating for the development of a learner-centered digital infrastructure that combines human-machine collaboration and open-source governance. She also stressed the need to center marginalised communities in educational policy priorities.
Ms. Isabell Kempf, Director of UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)
Prof. FENG Xiaoying, Professor of the School of Educational Technology of Beijing Normal University, moderated the speech session. She emphasized that this conference not only addresses issues of educational equity and quality but also profoundly reshapes the foundational framework of the next-generation learning ecosystem, holding significant strategic importance for global educational development. She expressed her hope that participating experts would collaborate to pioneer innovative approaches in key areas such as human–machine collaboration, open resources, and learning certification, thereby contributing new ideas and solutions to advance the digital transformation and upgrading of the global lifelong learning system.
Prof. FENG Xiaoying, Professor of the School of Educational Technology, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University
Keynote Speech: Intelligent Technology Driving Innovation in Lifelong Education
Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), pointed out that significant challenges remain in achieving quality education for all. She stressed that lifelong learning is a fundamental human right. However, approximately one-third of the global population still lacks Internet access, and the digital divide hinders educational equity. She noted that ICDE is committed to building an inclusive, scalable, and sustainable education system by promoting open educational resources, developing micro-credentialing, and reinforcing cross-department collaboration. She also appealed to the international community to work together to break down policy and resource barriers, ensuring quality learning opportunities for all.
Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)
Prof. Fan Xianrui, Vice President of the Open University of China, shared China’s practices in developing a ubiquitous and accessible lifelong education system. These efforts encompass the development of the “four platforms and one support” service network, AI-driven transformation of teaching processes, innovation in learning models, and reform of assessment systems. Looking forward, she indicated that the focus will be on fostering a new digital education ecosystem, innovating educational paradigms, building new forms of digital universities, and deepening international cooperation to promote larger-scale, more personalized, and higher-quality lifelong learning.
Prof. Fan Xianrui, Vice President of the Open University of China
Prof. Mário Franco, Founder and President of Millennium@EDU Sustainable Education, emphasized in his keynote speech that technology and humanity are “two sides of the same coin” and technology is not merely a neutral instrument but a powerful force that profoundly shapes human behavior and society. He underscored the essential role of teachers in harnessing digital technologies to empower lifelong learning, while ensuring educational inclusivity and ethical transparency. He further advocated for the development of AI algorithms that respect cultural diversity to support lifelong learning for all and contribute to the achievement of sustainable education goals.
Prof. Mário Franco, Founder and President of Millennium@EDU Sustainable Education
Prof. Ahmad Lzanee Awang, President/Vice Chancellor of the Open University Malaysia (OUM), shared OUM’s practices in promoting lifelong learning. These efforts include the use of ODL models, AI-driven learning management systems (LMS), micro-credential cooperation mechanisms, and low-data access strategies. He emphasized that OUM is committed to becoming the ASEAN Lifelong Learning Center and delivering seamless, borderless, and personalized AI education experiences for all learners.
Prof. Ahmad Lzanee Awang, President/Vice Chancellor of the Open University Malaysia (OUM)
Mr. Maxim Jean-Louis, President and CEO of Contact North | Contact Nord, Canada, put forward ten key action initiatives. These include moving beyond fear, seizing five opportunities presented by AI, co-designing with AI, restructuring assessment systems, establishing trust-based governance, strengthening educational accessibility, increasing investment in teacher training, empowering learners as central agents of the learning process, ensuring equitable access to infrastructure, and promoting innovation and embracing uncertainty with humility and openness.
Mr. Maxim Jean-Louis, President and CEO of Contact North/Contact Nord, Canada
Prof. Elijah I. Omwenga, Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya, introduced the university’s practices in leveraging AI to promote inclusive digital education. These include the use of AI teaching assistants (AI TAs), blockchain-based micro-credentials, and intelligent management platforms. These efforts have resulted in a 15% reduction in the dropout rate and significantly enhanced educational accessibility and resource allocation efficiency. He said that the Open University of Kenya is striving to develop a scalable and replicable digital education model to provide inclusive educational solutions for Africa and the Global South.
Prof. Elijah I. Omwenga, Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya
Mr. CHEN Hong, Senior Vice President of NetDragon Websoft Inc., China, showcased the company’s AI-powered lifelong learning platform. This platform is designed to address key challenges such as the disconnect between education and real-world practice, as well as the growing urgency of continuing skills upgrading. He noted that NetDragon Websoft is building an AI-driven content production line to generate immersive, large-scale courses with movie-quality gamification. He underscored that AI represents not only a challenge but also a pivotal solution for realizing inclusive and personalized lifelong education, and is shaping a new borderless learning ecosystem.
Mr. CHEN Hong, Senior Vice President of NetDragon Websoft Inc., China
Dr. Cherno Omar Barry, President/Vice Chancellor of International Open University, Gambia, pointed out that sub-Saharan Africa is facing a severe situation with 98 million children out of school and a shortage of 15 million teachers. He advocated for a people-centered approach to smart education, utilizing cost-effective technologies such as AI, offline learning platforms, and SMS-based courses to extend the reach of quality education. Barry mentioned that by reducing tuition fees, providing extensive scholarship opportunities, and engaging in international collaboration, the university has made education affordable to learners from 94 countries, with 52% being women, effectively promoting educational equity and inclusive development.
Dr. Cherno Omar Barry, President/Vice Chancellor of International Open University, Gambia
Mr. ZHANG Shaogang, Supervisory Board Chair of the China Association for Educational Technology (CAET) and Former Deputy Secretary of the Open University of China
Ms. Isabell Kempf, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), delivered a speech via video. She emphasized that the integration of AI and lifelong learning has become a reality, calling on the international community to effectively guarantee digital inclusion, foster critical literacy, and ensure equitable access to learning technologies. She reiterated that lifelong learning should be recognized as a fundamental human right, advocating for the development of a learner-centered digital infrastructure that combines human-machine collaboration and open-source governance. She also stressed the need to center marginalised communities in educational policy priorities.
Ms. Isabell Kempf, Director of UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)
Prof. FENG Xiaoying, Professor of the School of Educational Technology of Beijing Normal University, moderated the speech session. She emphasized that this conference not only addresses issues of educational equity and quality but also profoundly reshapes the foundational framework of the next-generation learning ecosystem, holding significant strategic importance for global educational development. She expressed her hope that participating experts would collaborate to pioneer innovative approaches in key areas such as human–machine collaboration, open resources, and learning certification, thereby contributing new ideas and solutions to advance the digital transformation and upgrading of the global lifelong learning system.
Prof. FENG Xiaoying, Professor of the School of Educational Technology, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University
Keynote Speech: Intelligent Technology Driving Innovation in Lifelong Education
Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), pointed out that significant challenges remain in achieving quality education for all. She stressed that lifelong learning is a fundamental human right. However, approximately one-third of the global population still lacks Internet access, and the digital divide hinders educational equity. She noted that ICDE is committed to building an inclusive, scalable, and sustainable education system by promoting open educational resources, developing micro-credentialing, and reinforcing cross-department collaboration. She also appealed to the international community to work together to break down policy and resource barriers, ensuring quality learning opportunities for all.
Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)
Prof. Fan Xianrui, Vice President of the Open University of China, shared China’s practices in developing a ubiquitous and accessible lifelong education system. These efforts encompass the development of the “four platforms and one support” service network, AI-driven transformation of teaching processes, innovation in learning models, and reform of assessment systems. Looking forward, she indicated that the focus will be on fostering a new digital education ecosystem, innovating educational paradigms, building new forms of digital universities, and deepening international cooperation to promote larger-scale, more personalized, and higher-quality lifelong learning.
Prof. Fan Xianrui, Vice President of the Open University of China
Prof. Mário Franco, Founder and President of Millennium@EDU Sustainable Education, emphasized in his keynote speech that technology and humanity are “two sides of the same coin” and technology is not merely a neutral instrument but a powerful force that profoundly shapes human behavior and society. He underscored the essential role of teachers in harnessing digital technologies to empower lifelong learning, while ensuring educational inclusivity and ethical transparency. He further advocated for the development of AI algorithms that respect cultural diversity to support lifelong learning for all and contribute to the achievement of sustainable education goals.
Prof. Mário Franco, Founder and President of Millennium@EDU Sustainable Education
Prof. Ahmad Lzanee Awang, President/Vice Chancellor of the Open University Malaysia (OUM), shared OUM’s practices in promoting lifelong learning. These efforts include the use of ODL models, AI-driven learning management systems (LMS), micro-credential cooperation mechanisms, and low-data access strategies. He emphasized that OUM is committed to becoming the ASEAN Lifelong Learning Center and delivering seamless, borderless, and personalized AI education experiences for all learners.
Prof. Ahmad Lzanee Awang, President/Vice Chancellor of the Open University Malaysia (OUM)
Mr. Maxim Jean-Louis, President and CEO of Contact North | Contact Nord, Canada, put forward ten key action initiatives. These include moving beyond fear, seizing five opportunities presented by AI, co-designing with AI, restructuring assessment systems, establishing trust-based governance, strengthening educational accessibility, increasing investment in teacher training, empowering learners as central agents of the learning process, ensuring equitable access to infrastructure, and promoting innovation and embracing uncertainty with humility and openness.
Mr. Maxim Jean-Louis, President and CEO of Contact North/Contact Nord, Canada
Prof. Elijah I. Omwenga, Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya, introduced the university’s practices in leveraging AI to promote inclusive digital education. These include the use of AI teaching assistants (AI TAs), blockchain-based micro-credentials, and intelligent management platforms. These efforts have resulted in a 15% reduction in the dropout rate and significantly enhanced educational accessibility and resource allocation efficiency. He said that the Open University of Kenya is striving to develop a scalable and replicable digital education model to provide inclusive educational solutions for Africa and the Global South.
Prof. Elijah I. Omwenga, Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya
Mr. CHEN Hong, Senior Vice President of NetDragon Websoft Inc., China, showcased the company’s AI-powered lifelong learning platform. This platform is designed to address key challenges such as the disconnect between education and real-world practice, as well as the growing urgency of continuing skills upgrading. He noted that NetDragon Websoft is building an AI-driven content production line to generate immersive, large-scale courses with movie-quality gamification. He underscored that AI represents not only a challenge but also a pivotal solution for realizing inclusive and personalized lifelong education, and is shaping a new borderless learning ecosystem.
Mr. CHEN Hong, Senior Vice President of NetDragon Websoft Inc., China
Dr. Cherno Omar Barry, President/Vice Chancellor of International Open University, Gambia, pointed out that sub-Saharan Africa is facing a severe situation with 98 million children out of school and a shortage of 15 million teachers. He advocated for a people-centered approach to smart education, utilizing cost-effective technologies such as AI, offline learning platforms, and SMS-based courses to extend the reach of quality education. Barry mentioned that by reducing tuition fees, providing extensive scholarship opportunities, and engaging in international collaboration, the university has made education affordable to learners from 94 countries, with 52% being women, effectively promoting educational equity and inclusive development.
Dr. Cherno Omar Barry, President/Vice Chancellor of International Open University, Gambia
Panel Discussion: Inclusive, Scalable, and Sustainable Future of Education
During the panel discussion, experts and scholars from Malaysia, China, India, Papua New Guinea, Türkiye, and other countries engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as inclusive education, technology integration, business model innovation, and sustainable development. They ultimately reached a consensus: lifelong learning is an inevitable choice in the digital age; it is necessary to build a people-oriented, inclusive, intelligent, and sustainable global lifelong learning ecosystem through cross-sector collaboration, policy innovation, technology empowerment, and open resources.
Panelists
Prof. Santhi Raghavan, Vice President/ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learner Experience and Technology) of Open University Malaysia (OUM), shared OUM’s practices to promote inclusive education. These efforts include the use of highly interactive learning materials, the implementation of the ECRM system, enrollment for all age groups, and tuition discounts for learners with disabilities—all of which have contributed to a high retention rate of 87%.
Prof. Santhi Raghavan, Vice President/ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learner Experience and Technology) of Open University Malaysia (OUM)
Prof. Ahmed Tlili, Associate Professor of Beijing Normal University, emphasized that inclusive education needs to be achieved through interdisciplinary cooperation, cultural adaptation, the use of open educational resources, and the development of intelligent agents to meet the diverse needs of learners.
Prof. Ahmed Tlili, Associate Professor of Beijing Normal University
Prof. Chakrapani Ghanta, Vice-Chancellor of B. R. Ambedkar Open University, introduced the university’s 44-year educational practices in promoting social equity and inclusion through low-cost tuition, preferential policies for women and marginalised communities, and free education programs.
Prof. Chakrapani Ghanta, Vice-Chancellor of B. R. Ambedkar Open University
Dr. Komhiol Teng Waninga, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea, pointed out that inclusive education remains a core challenge for universities worldwide. This challenge encompasses a range of issues such as cultural expectations, gender imbalances, and the inclusion of special groups. As the sole normal training institution in the region, the university has achieved significant progress in advancing special education and increasing enrollment rates through facility upgrades. He urged the education system to support all learners in adapting to these changes and ensure that no one is left behind in this rapidly evolving era.
Dr. Komhiol Teng Waninga, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea
Prof. Aras Bozkurt, Professor of Anadolu University, Türkiye, noted that the university has long adhered to a learner-centered design concept and incorporated AI and chatbot technology into its teaching ecosystem, serving more than one million students. He stressed that the application of technology should be deliberate, empowering students’ autonomy through diverse learning materials and personalized path options to ensure that technology serves their authentic learning needs.
Prof. Aras Bozkurt, Professor of Anadolu University, Türkiye
Dr. Som Naidu, Executive Editor of Distance Education, called for legislative measures to mandate the use of open educational resources (OER) in all courses. He pointed out that without a clear definition and legal support for OER, all visions of personalized learning and collaborative knowledge creation will remain challenging.
Dr. Som Naidu, Executive Editor of Distance Education
This forum was jointly organized by the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), the Open University of China, Asia e University, Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University, and NetDragon Websoft Inc. The speech, keynote speech, and panel discussion sessions of this forum were respectively moderated by Prof. FENG Xiaoying, Prof. YANG Junfeng, Vice Director of the Educational Informatization Strategy Research Base (Beijing), Ministry of Education, P.R. China, and Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE).
Panelists
Prof. Santhi Raghavan, Vice President/ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learner Experience and Technology) of Open University Malaysia (OUM), shared OUM’s practices to promote inclusive education. These efforts include the use of highly interactive learning materials, the implementation of the ECRM system, enrollment for all age groups, and tuition discounts for learners with disabilities—all of which have contributed to a high retention rate of 87%.
Prof. Santhi Raghavan, Vice President/ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learner Experience and Technology) of Open University Malaysia (OUM)
Prof. Ahmed Tlili, Associate Professor of Beijing Normal University, emphasized that inclusive education needs to be achieved through interdisciplinary cooperation, cultural adaptation, the use of open educational resources, and the development of intelligent agents to meet the diverse needs of learners.
Prof. Ahmed Tlili, Associate Professor of Beijing Normal University
Prof. Chakrapani Ghanta, Vice-Chancellor of B. R. Ambedkar Open University, introduced the university’s 44-year educational practices in promoting social equity and inclusion through low-cost tuition, preferential policies for women and marginalised communities, and free education programs.
Prof. Chakrapani Ghanta, Vice-Chancellor of B. R. Ambedkar Open University
Dr. Komhiol Teng Waninga, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea, pointed out that inclusive education remains a core challenge for universities worldwide. This challenge encompasses a range of issues such as cultural expectations, gender imbalances, and the inclusion of special groups. As the sole normal training institution in the region, the university has achieved significant progress in advancing special education and increasing enrollment rates through facility upgrades. He urged the education system to support all learners in adapting to these changes and ensure that no one is left behind in this rapidly evolving era.
Dr. Komhiol Teng Waninga, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea
Prof. Aras Bozkurt, Professor of Anadolu University, Türkiye, noted that the university has long adhered to a learner-centered design concept and incorporated AI and chatbot technology into its teaching ecosystem, serving more than one million students. He stressed that the application of technology should be deliberate, empowering students’ autonomy through diverse learning materials and personalized path options to ensure that technology serves their authentic learning needs.
Prof. Aras Bozkurt, Professor of Anadolu University, Türkiye
Dr. Som Naidu, Executive Editor of Distance Education, called for legislative measures to mandate the use of open educational resources (OER) in all courses. He pointed out that without a clear definition and legal support for OER, all visions of personalized learning and collaborative knowledge creation will remain challenging.
Dr. Som Naidu, Executive Editor of Distance Education
This forum was jointly organized by the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), the Open University of China, Asia e University, Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University, and NetDragon Websoft Inc. The speech, keynote speech, and panel discussion sessions of this forum were respectively moderated by Prof. FENG Xiaoying, Prof. YANG Junfeng, Vice Director of the Educational Informatization Strategy Research Base (Beijing), Ministry of Education, P.R. China, and Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE).
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