GenAI and Higher Education High-level Panel

SPEAKERS

DESCRIPTION

The GenAI & Higher Education High-Level Panel, scheduled for October 25, 2025, as a flagship session of the UNU Macau AI Education Day, addresses the profound significance of Generative AI in reshaping the future of higher education. Generative AI technologies present transformative opportunities to enhance teaching methodologies, personalize learning experiences, and democratize access to quality education, while simultaneously posing critical challenges such as bridging the digital divide, ensuring equitable implementation, and mitigating ethical concerns like algorithmic bias and data privacy. This high-level discussion will delve into pivotal questions surrounding GenAI's impact on pedagogical innovation, curriculum adaptation, and skill development for the next generation, emphasizing strategies to foster inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered AI integration across global higher education systems. 

The panel features an esteemed lineup of global education leaders, including Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and UN Under-Secretary-General, whose visionary leadership in digital transformation and sustainable development will anchor the panel; Dr. Shirley Agrupis, Commissioner of the Philippine Commission on Higher Education, renowned for her advocacy in educational equity; Dr. David Birdsell, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Kean University, who brings expertise in academic innovation and policy; Prof. Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, a key voice on African higher education transformation; and Prof. S. Joe Qin, President of Lingnan University, known for advancing interdisciplinary AI applications in learning. Together with other invited education leaders, this panel will provide multifaceted insights to drive global dialogue on harnessing GenAI for sustainable educational advancement.

This event is part of the UNU Macau AI Education Day, which underscores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of education, research, and social innovation. Focusing on the intersection of AI, education, and innovation, the event provides a platform for diverse discussions that inspire global collaboration, spark new ideas, and equip the next generation with essential skills. To view the full program, please visit the program page.

Celebrating #UN80 and #UNUat50 | Oct. 23-25, 2025 | Macau SAR, China
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