Speakers highlighted that growing demand for AI teacher training offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen MIL, shared national policy experiences, and called for proactive, equitable approaches to navigating the rapidly evolving AI-driven information landscape.

The session “AI and Women’s Leadership in Higher Education: Insights from UNESCO IITE and UNESCO-ICHEI Initiatives” explored how strengthening women’s AI competencies, leadership and institutional support can advance more inclusive digital transformation, drawing on the experience of 'Women Leading Change in Africa'.

Under the theme “Reimagining Education in the Age of AI: Equity, Quality, and Sustainability,” the Conference launched the Global Smart School Initiative and addressed a broad spectrum of critical topics, including AI-enabled school transformation and AI governance as a global common good.

The Steering Committee was co-chaired by Ms Shafika Isaacs, Interim Director of UNESCO IITE. The initiative explores ways to support learners through educational innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the responsible, ethical use of digital technologies and AI-driven solutions. 

Ms. Tatiana Murovana, Project Officer in Education at the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, moderated the thematic discussion "Information Literacy in the New Digital Environment: Trust, Confidentiality, Responsibility" at the VIII International Conference "Tangible and Intangible Impact of Information and Communication in the Digital Age", held in Khanty-Mansiysk from 17 to 19 June 2026.

Scholars and practitioners are invited to submit original research papers and case studies to the academic session “AI-Empowered Smart Learning Ecosystems: Integrated Development” to be held as part of the 2026 Digital Lifelong Learning International Conference. Submissions close 30 August 2026.