You are warmly invited to the International Education Day webinar 'Lifelong learning in the age of AI' on 24 January 2025.

The webinar will bring together policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to revisit the idea of lifelong learning in the age of emerging technologies, with thematic focus on lifelong learning as a concept, workplace learning, digital competencies of adult educators, and bridging the grey digital divide.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to address some of the biggest challenges in education and lifelong learning today, innovate teaching and learning practices, and accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4. However, rapid technological developments inevitably bring multiple risks and challenges, which have so far outpaced policy debates and regulatory frameworks.

Current policies on AI and lifelong learning often adopt an instrumental and technologically deterministic approach, prioritising efficiency over human development and agency. UNESCO is committed to supporting Member States to harness the potential of AI technologies for achieving the promise of lifelong learning opportunities for all, while ensuring that its application in the learning contexts is guided by the core principles of inclusion and equity.

Objectives

• Discuss current trends, in policy, research, and innovative practices in emerging technologies such as AI and its relation to lifelong learning and the concept of agency.
• Highlight the role of adult learning and education, in fostering digital competencies with a focus on adult educators and bridging the grey digital divide.
• Engage educators and participants in interactive discussions and activities to foster a deeper understanding of AI and emerging technologies in adult education settings.

All times are Central European Time. Add one hour for Johannesburg time.

13:00 – 13:15: Opening Remarks
Moderator: Ms Annapurna Ayyappan, Assistant Programme Specialist, UIL

• Ms Isabell Kempf, Director, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

13:20 – 14:20: Session: Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI
Moderator: Ms Rakhat Zholdoshalieva, Team Leader, Quality Learning Ecosystems, UIL

Reconfiguring Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI: Insights from policy and research

• Ms Rebecca Eynon, Professor of Education, the Internet and Society, University of Oxford, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Workplace Learning in the Age of AI: Challenges and Opportunities

• Mr Martin Dougiamas, Moodle Founder and Head of Research, Moodle, Australia

Bridging the Digital Divide for Older Adults: Lessons from Chile and Beyond

• Ms Virginia Rodés Paragarino, Research Professor on Lifelong Learning, Institute for the Future of Education – Europe, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico

Capacity building: Strengthening AI and Digital Competencies of Adult Educators (new training)

• Ms Annapurna Ayyappan, Assistant Programme Specialist, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

Discussion and moderated Q&A

14:20 – 14:30: Closing remarks
Ms Isabell Kempf, Director, UIL