On 2 September 2025, UNU hosted a seminar on the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. Titled "Human-Centered Approach to AI in Higher Education: Knowledge Exchange Between Asia and Japan", it examined emerging best practices, key challenges and potential opportunities for advancing a human-centered approach to AI integration within higher education institutions (HEIs). The event engaged 37 participants of the Professional Development Program (PDP) for AI Application in Education, organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and held on 1–4 September 2025 in Tokyo.
Opening the event, Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi (Director, UNU-IAS) welcomed the participants and encouraged them to leverage partnerships to co-create solutions. Four expert sessions explored how AI is reshaping higher education from multiple perspectives.
Focusing on AI in teaching and learning, Yoshinori Hayakawa (Professor, Tohoku University) introduced Tohoku University's AI, Mathematics, and Data Science Program, which promotes inclusive AI and data science education for all students. Masahide Koda (Associate Professor, Okayama University) discussed AI in research and development, highlighting AI-simulated patient interactions and how medical chat AI systems can offer innovative applications in the medical field. AI in university management and administration was the theme of a presentation by Naruhiko Shiratori (Professor, Tokyo City University), who explained how AI-driven data infrastructure can help predict dropout risks and support student retention. Concluding with the theme on AI ethics, safety and inclusivity, Yuko Itatsu (Professor, University of Tokyo) examined how AI can both accelerate and hinder social justice, and suggested pathways toward more equitable outcomes.
Jonghwi Park (Academic Programme Officer and Head of Innovation and Education, UNU-IAS) moderated an interactive idea exchange session engaging Japanese experts and seminar participants. Jun-ichi Takada (EVP for Global Affairs, Institute of Science Tokyo), Atsufumi Yokoi (VP for Global Engagement Strategy, Okayama University) and Ikuko Yairi (Professor, Sophia University) addressed core issues, good practices and potential collaboration opportunities for AI integration in higher education systems. Ryotaro Hayashi (Senior Social Sector Economist, ADB) and Daisuke Ueda (Deputy Director General for Higher Education, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)) introduced higher education projects and initiatives of ADB and JICA. Concluding the session, Jerome Silla (Research Associate, UNU-IAS) highlighted the activities of the Global Action Group on the Futures of Higher Education and AI of the UN Higher Education Sustainability Initiative.
