International Conference on Promoting Lifelong Learning in Higher Education: 19 October 2023
International Conference on Promoting Lifelong Learning in Higher Education: From institutional strategies to practical implementation
Recording of Day 1: 19 October 2023
Floor language
From 19 to 21 October 2023, Shanghai Open University (SOU) and the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) hosted an International Conference entitled ‘Promoting Lifelong Learning in Higher Education: From institutional strategies to practical implementation’ in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. In a world marked by rapid technological advancements, pressing climate crises, and persistent social inequalities, the need to transform education and reimagine the role of higher education has become critical.
The International Conference on Promoting Lifelong Learning in Higher Education gathered more than 200 participants, including university leaders, policymakers, experts, scholars and researchers, to address these challenges by delving into innovative institutional strategies and practical implementation approaches that enable higher education institutions (HEIs) to become lifelong learning agents. With a strong focus on flexibility, inclusivity and responsiveness, the conference aimed to harness the potential of HEIs to foster sustainable societies through lifelong learning, empowering them to effectively address the diverse needs of learners and meet the dynamic demands of the modern workforce and sustainability of development. The event placed particular emphasis on the vital role of HEIs in advancing a culture of lifelong learning including reskilling and upskilling, cultivating future skills, offering flexible learning pathways, using learning technologies, promoting sustainable development and establishing robust partnerships with the private sector and community organizations.
While building on the UIL/SOU research on International trends of lifelong learning in higher education, the conference provided a further basis for future research collaboration and joint advocacy to make higher education more inclusive, diverse and sustainable. The event was organized in partnership with the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia (UNESCO Beijing), the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO, the International Association of Universities, and the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Opening Ceremony
07:07 - Welcome Address: QIN Changwei, Secretary-General, National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO
13:16 - Welcome Address: ZHOU YaMing, Director-General of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission
18:31 - Welcome Address: Borhene Chakroun, Director a.i., UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
29:48 - Welcome Address: LOU Junjiang, Vice Chairman of Shanghai Open University Council
39:51 - Session 1: Keynote speech on the role of universities in light of current and emerging sustainable development challenges - Andrew Deeks, President of the International Association of Universities
1:04:22 - Session 2: Keynote speech on the strategic thinking on promoting lifelong learning in higher education - based on Shanghai Open University's practice - JIA Wei, President, Shanghai Open University
1:53:23 - Launch event: Chinese translation of Making Lifelong Learning a Reality: A Handbook - JIA Wei, President, Shanghai Open University
2:05:01 - Chinese translation of the report "International trends of lifelong learning in higher education" with a presentation of the main research outcomes - ZHANG Jin, Vice President, Shanghai Open University
2:09:30 - Chinese translation of the report "International trends of lifelong learning in higher education" with a presentation of the main research outcomes - Raul Valdes-Cotera, Chief Programme Coordinator a.i., UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
2:14:30 - Session 3: Adapting universities to include reskilling and upskilling opportunities to address future skills requirements and target more diverse learners
3:26:36 - Session 4: Inclusive and flexible lifelong learning: Promoting recognition of prior learning and micro-credentials in higher education