Since 2020, the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance (GMA) has hosted a series of Online Education Dialogues to engage a wide range of international experts to empower and inspire fellow educators, as well as to reshape the future of higher education. Discussions were held on topics focused on different aspects related to the digital transformation of higher education, including technical, pedagogical, managerial, sustainable, and global development.

Thus far, over 330 experts and scholars from 30+ countries have actively engaged in OED, garnering a global audience exceeding 1,225,000 participants.

Objectives of OED 2026

OED 2026 will continue to serve as an international platform for:

• Fostering AI Integration: Discussing innovative ways AI can be integrated into higher education to enhance learning experiences and institutional efficiency.
• Addressing Ethical Considerations: Exploring data privacy, algorithmic bias, and responsible AI deployment.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring equitable access to AI-driven educational tools and resources across diverse demographics.
• Empowering Educators: Equipping faculty with the skills and knowledge to effectively leverage AI in teaching and administration.
• Shaping Policy and Governance: Developing frameworks and regulations to guide the ethical and sustainable adoption of AI in education.

Theme: AI for Futures: The New Landscape of Higher Education

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various aspects of society, it is crucial for higher education to stay at the forefront of these changes. In 2025, the dialogue centered around the theme “Higher Education at the Crossroads: Pioneering AI-Driven Paradigm Shifts,” bringing together 22 speakers from 10 countries for a series of 6 global dialogues. Through the previous events, we recognized the AI’s vast yet largely untapped potential in empowering and transforming higher education through improving personalized learning, enabling efficient management, enhancing research capabilities, and facilitating international cooperation. Moreover, AI can assist higher education institutions in fulfilling their social responsibilities and contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

OED 2026 will follow the footprints from previous themes in depth and continue diving into AI-Led Transformation in Higher Education. Our goal is to equip educators and administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital transformation driven by AI, ultimately benefiting learners and society as a whole. By exploring this theme, we aim to contribute to a wider understanding and capacity building of how AI can be effectively integrated into higher education to enhance quality, promote inclusiveness, and create impact. The discussions will foster collaboration, stimulate innovation, and provide insights to reshape the future of higher education in an AI-driven era.

Topics

• Leadership Perspectives: Re-shaping the Future of Higher Education through AI.
• Insights and Practices: AI-Led Transformation in Higher Education in Teaching and Learning.

Format 

Keynote address and panel discussion (Please note that by participating in this session, you understand and consent that this dialogue will be recorded and broadcasted via XuetangX, and clips of the session may be used for educational purposes)

• Keynote Address: Each speaker will present their insights and practices
• Panel Discussion: A moderated interactive session after keynote addresses

Call for Speakers

We are thrilled to invite passionate and forward-thinking educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to contribute to the 2026 Online Education Dialogue (OED) under the theme “Higher Education at the Crossroads: Pioneering AI-Driven Paradigm Shifts.” This is an unparalleled opportunity to share your insights and experiences on how AI is reshaping the landscape of higher education.

What you will receive:

1. A Network with Leading Professionals: Engage with a vibrant community of like-minded experts in AI technology, policy development, and academic research. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional network, form new collaborations, and share best practices.
2. An Opportunity to Influence Future Trends: By sharing your knowledge and insights, you will have the chance to influence future trends in AI and education, shaping the way technology is integrated into teaching and learning at the higher education level.
3. Global Visibility and Recognition: As a speaker at OED, your work and ideas will gain international exposure. This platform will amplify your voice in the global education community, allowing you to reach a wider audience as a thought leader in the field.
4. Professional Development: OED fosters a platform for the professional development for speakers including access to latest research, innovative strategies, and case studies at the forefront of educational innovation. 
5. Feedback and Collaboration Opportunities: Through meaningful discussions with attendees and exchanging constructive feedback on ideas and research, OED offers an opportunity conducive to sparking new ideas and potential collaborations for future projects.
6. Compensation

 If you’re interested in dialogue, please feel free to contact Mr. Brian Li, Assistant Secretary-General of GMA, at brianli@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn.