UNESCO IESALC is set to participate in the International Forum on the Futures of Education 2024, which aims to foster dialogue among Member States and the global community on the Futures of Education initiative. This forum will provide an opportunity for policy-makers and education experts to discuss innovative policies, practices, and research aligned with the recommendations of the 2021 International Commission on the Futures of Education report, “Reimagining Our Futures Together: A New Social Contract for Education.”
Session Moderation and Key Speakers
Lily Bosen Liu, the Head of Partnerships and UN Liaison Unit at UNESCO IESALC, will moderate a session featuring prominent speakers. Participants include Farida Shaheed, the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education; Seringe Mbaye Thaim, former Minister for Higher Education of Senegal; Buhm Soon Park, Professor and Director of the Center for Anthropocene Studies at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology; Hilligje Van’t Land, Secretary-General of the International Association of Universities; and Sofía Bermúdez, Founder and Director of One Generation.
Focus of the Session
The focus of the session will be on how higher education systems can advance human potential, enhance well-being, and tackle global challenges while improving access, inclusion, and relevance. Topics such as sustainability, innovation, and social justice will also be addressed in the discussions regarding the future of higher education.
Importance of Higher Education
Higher education is acknowledged as a fundamental aspect of the right to lifelong education and is considered a public good. UNESCO envisions a future where higher education serves as a driver of sustainable development, social equity, and global citizenship, preparing learners to navigate and contribute effectively to a complex world. The sector is currently undergoing major transformations, characterized by increased enrollment rates, the widespread internationalization of education, and rapid digital advancements. Nevertheless, notable structural inequalities remain, including inflexible academic programs, insufficient funding, and limited access for marginalized groups. Additionally, concerns about academic freedom and the commercialization of education pose threats to collaborative intellectual efforts.
Key Questions for Consideration
- What should higher education systems and institutions look like by 2050?
- What actions are required to achieve the envisioned futures for higher education?
Event Details
– Location: Suwon, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea
– Date: December 4, 2024, from 9:45 to 11:00 AM Korean Standard Time
Further information can be accessed through UNESCO’s official site. The Futures of Higher Education – Concept Note document is also available for additional insights into the future direction of higher education.
(Original source: IESALC)