The UNU Macau AI Conference 2026 will take place on 25-26 November in Macau SAR, China.
Under the theme “AI × Education: AI for Learning, Learning for AI”, this two‑day convening integrates AI Conference 2026, AI for SDGs - Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition and AI × Education Workshops.
Bringing together global policymakers, education leaders, researchers, and youth innovators, the event will spotlight two connected dimensions:
- AI in Education, which dissects how intelligent systems can revolutionize teaching methodologies, learning paradigms, assessment rubrics, and institutional governance
- Education of AI, which addresses how societies can comprehensively equip learners, educators, and institutions to understand, navigate, and shape AI technologies responsibly.
By bridging innovation with equitable growth, the conference positions Macau as a premier global nexus for AI‑driven education, digital transformation, and youth empowerment, with a special focus on insights and contributions from the Global South.
Pillar 1: UNU Macau AI Conference 2026
The conference will host a series of curated, multi-stakeholder panel sessions addressing the most critical dimensions of our overarching theme. Through these high-level dialogues and strategic networking opportunities, the conference promises transformative outcomes, bridging geographic and institutional divides to champion an inclusive, equitable, and AI-literate digital future for all.
Pillar 2: AI for SDGs - Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2026
The Competition is a premier initiative launched by the UNU Global AI Network. It aims to leverage artificial intelligence technology to address sustainable development challenges while fostering social innovation and global youth development. The 2026 Competition, themed "AI and Education," addresses a defining challenge of our time: how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of learning, teaching, and human development.
Pillar 3: AI × Education Workshops and Training
The AI × Education Workshops and Training sessions translate our core thematic panels into practical, immersive learning experiences. Moving beyond conceptual dialogue, each workshop is strategically engineered to empower global participants to bridge the gap between discussion and application, equipping them with the tangible tools, methodologies, and frameworks necessary for real-world institutional implementation.
Explore the Pillar Events
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Why Join Us?
- Championing the UN Ethos
Translating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Digital Compact into action, the conference advances the UN pledge to "leave no one behind" by tackling the digital divide and promoting equitable, ethical access to emerging technologies. - Global Dialogue Nexus
Hosted in Macau SAR, the event bridges North–South and East–West perspectives, creating an inclusive platform for global digital transformation discourse. - Multilateral & Interdisciplinary Synergy
By convening academics, policymakers, civil society, tech leaders, and youth innovators, the conference fosters innovation at the intersection of disciplines. - High-Impact Program
Visionary keynotes, including the UNU Rector AI Lecture Series, and deep‑dive panels deliver both intellectual exchange and actionable strategies to address critical digital and educational challenges.
Expected Outcomes
The UNU Macau AI Conference 2026 will:
- Publish proceedings in the UNU–Springer Book Series on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development.
- Highlight Global South perspectives, ensuring their insights shape global AI and education discourse.
- Spotlight youth innovation, showcasing next‑generation AI solutions from Macau and beyond.
- Position Macau as a hub for international dialogue on AI‑driven education and digital transformation.
- Inform future policy-making with key messages and reflections to guide partnerships and capacity‑building.
For further inquiries, please contact: AIConference@unu.edu
