On 26 September 2025, UNU-IAS co-organized a webinar on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming university management and administration to become more sustainable, effective and inclusive. Titled “Harnessing AI for Smarter, Sustainable University Management”, the event featured expert presentations on predictive analytics, ethical applications of AI, the use of AI personas and agents, and governance frameworks. It was the first in the AI Learning Lab webinar series organized by the AI in University Management and Administration (AIUMA) Implementation Team of the Futures of Higher Education and AI Action Group.
Opening the webinar, Jonghwi Park (Academic Programme Officer and Head of Innovation and Education, UNU-IAS) emphasized the need for higher education institutions to navigate the complexities of digital transformation while aligning with the sustainable development agenda. A framing presentation by Gunter Saunders (Professor, University of Westminster) introduced the concept of a human-centred approach to AI, and how it can enhance university management and sustainability while addressing risks such as bias, privacy and inequity. Naruhiko Shiratori (Professor, Tokyo City University) explored the role of AI-powered predictive analytics and robust data infrastructure in helping universities identify at-risk students, prevent dropouts, and enhance evidence-based decision making in management and teaching. Discussing the use of AI personas and agents in teaching and admissions, Laurent Cleenewerck (Professor, Euclid University) stressed the importance of transparency, accountability and responsible governance. Atsufumi Yokoi (Professor, Okayama University) underlined how AI can drive whole-institution approaches to sustainability, drawing on global ethical frameworks and good practices.
The webinar featured an interactive session with participants to share ideas on practical AI applications and challenges. Jerome Silla (Research Associate, UNU-IAS) introduced the activities of the action group, such as global mapping of AI use in higher education, the AI and Sustainability podcast series, and the AI Learning Lab webinar series.
The Futures of Higher Education and AI Action Group is part of the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI), co-led by UNU-IAS and UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education (UNESCO IESALC).
