On 5 December 2024, a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI). The delegation members included Ms. Sofia Shakil, Director of Human and Social Development, Sectors Group, Mr. XU Jian, Senior Education Specialist of Human and Social Development, Sectors Group, and other officials. Mr. CAO Zian, Chief (a.i.) of the Global Partnership and Programme Office (GPPO), Ms. LI Ruoyu, Programme Officer of GPPO, and Ms. YUAN Xin, Programme Officer of GPPO, discussed potential collaborations with the delegation.

Mr. CAO Zian welcomed the delegation's visit, noting that UNESCO-ICHEI and ADB share common goals in driving sustainable progress in higher education and developing digital competencies for educators. Ms. Sofia Shakil acknowledged the achievements of UNESCO-ICHEI in facilitating the digital transformation of higher education and emphasised ADB's commitment to fostering deeper collaboration in education innovation.

Ms. Sofia Shakil, Director of Human and Social Development, Sectors Group, ADB

Mr. CAO Zian introduced UNESCO-ICHEI and its flagship programmes, including the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Micro-Certification Project for Higher Education Workforce Digital Competency Building, high-level regional policy dialogues, and Higher Education Digitalisation Pioneer Case Award. During the meeting, the ADB delegation expressed keen interest in the IIOE Micro-Certification Project and other initiatives. Both parties engaged in discussions on several key topics, including capacity-building for the higher education workforce and the development of AI competency frameworks for higher education teachers. Additionally, the delegation visited the IIOE AI Lab.

About ADB

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), established in 1966, is owned by 68 members—including the People’s Republic of China (PRC). ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while continuing its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. It promotes technological innovation in its member countries across fields such as digital transformation, education development, climate change, renewable energy, and smart agriculture. Since 1986, ADB has actively collaborated with the Chinese government, committing to 1,193 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance projects totaling $42.9 billion. Cumulative disbursements to the PRC amount to $35.73 billion. ADB operations in the PRC help develop innovative solutions, including digital education and AI education, to address climate change, environmental challenges, new energy technology innovation and population aging, as well as promote sustainable social development.