UNESCO CHAIR For Inter-Religious Dialogue Studies in The Islamic World
Paris — Dr. Alaa Shatnan, Director of the UNESCO Chair at the University of Kufa, participated in the activities of “Digital Learning Week 2026,” organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its headquarters in Paris from 8 to 11 September 2026, under the theme “Education in the Age of AI: Evidence, Divergences, New Horizons.”
The event brought together high-level international participants, including Ministers of Education, policymakers, and experts, with the aim of shaping global policies that ensure the use of artificial intelligence for the public good while safeguarding the human dimension of education.
Key Themes and Activities
- Main Themes: The week addressed the challenges of “AI-generated knowledge” and algorithmic transparency under the Evidence theme; the tensions between commercial interests and the educational mission under Divergences; and the exploration of autonomous AI models and technological solutions for resource-constrained settings under New Horizons.
- Key Activities:
- UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Meeting: Strengthening international academic cooperation and supporting research on equitable and inclusive artificial intelligence.
- Recognition and Capacity Building: Presentation of the UNESCO–King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education and the organization of capacity-building sessions addressing student data governance.
- Dialogue Sessions: Discussions on teacher autonomy, reaffirming the central role of teachers, alongside specialized dialogues addressing the “illusion of competence” and the impact of technology on children.
- Strategy Labs: The programme concluded with workshops aimed at translating the recommendations into practical policies and actionable measures within educational institutions.
The University of Kufa’s participation in this international forum contributes to strengthening the presence of Iraqi academic expertise in international policy discussions on digital education and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience with global university networks affiliated with UNESCO.
