From 16 to 17 October 2026, UNESCO-ICHEI was invited to participate in the "2026 Digital Lifelong Learning International Conference: Intelligence, Innovation and Inclusion" (2026 DTALL), jointly organised by Shanghai Open University (SOU), the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE).

The conference focused on AI-enabled learning systems, diverse and inclusive learner support, and the development of future-ready competencies. Bringing together more than 100 education policymakers, scholars, experts and frontline practitioners from countries around the world, the event provided a platform for in-depth discussions on AI-driven lifelong learning and educational transformation.

A working meeting of the Global Network for Digital Lifelong Learning was held during the conference, chaired by Professor JIA Wei, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Shanghai Open University.

Professor XIAO Jun, Secretary-General of the Network and Dean of the College of Science and Technology at SOU, presented an overview of the Network's progress in 2026 and its future plans. These included member engagement and exchanges, achievements in international collaborative research and academic exchange, AI application skills training, and the development of AI-related standards. Looking ahead, the Network will focus on enhancing its AI lifelong learning curricula, tools and micro-credentials, deepening collaborative research on standards for AI-enabled lifelong learning, and fostering activities that support a thriving AI lifelong learning ecosystem.

Ms. BI Xiaohan, Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, expressed appreciation for the progress made by the Network since its establishment. She noted that its work had gradually evolved into a systematic approach encompassing curriculum development, capacity building, collaborative research and standards development, reflecting its strategic vision and sustained commitment to advancing digital lifelong learning globally.

As one of the founding members, UNESCO-ICHEI will continue to support the Network's development. It stands ready to leverage the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) to support the Network's capacity-building initiatives and collaborative activities, sharing IIOE's micro-certification courses, training programmes, research and knowledge-exchange resources with fellow members. Through these joint efforts, UNESCO-ICHEI aims to contribute to a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future for lifelong learning, empowered by technology.

UNESCO-ICHEI also attended the parallel session on "AI-Driven Educational Innovation and the Transformation of Learning Paradigms", where it shared practical experiences and insights drawn from its work in advancing the digital transformation of higher education, building capacity and expanding collaborative partnerships through IIOE.