As technology, information, and communication (ICT), including artificial intelligence (AI), advance rapidly, the education sector must adapt accordingly. The International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), a leading global organization dedicated to providing quality education to all, hosted the ICDE Leadership Summit 2024 from June 5-7 in Geneva, Switzerland, a global city, a financial center, and a worldwide center for diplomacy. The summit’s theme, “Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI: Rethinking Futures of Education,” emphasized the importance of ethical leadership amid the rise of AI.
This event brought together leaders from distance higher education institutions (DHEIs) worldwide, including UNESCO’s Director of Policies and Lifelong Learning, ICDE leadership, and government officials. It served as a critical stage for DHEI leaders to discuss AI-related challenges and opportunities in education. The summit aimed to produce a recommendation letter on AI ethics in higher education, shaping the future of education. ICDE President Dr. Mark Nichols formally opened the event, which featured 11 keynote speakers and around 100 participants from various institutions. Additionally, several panel sessions were held each day.
One notable speaker was Universitas Terbuka (UT) Rector, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., who presented on “Technological Infrastructures for Access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Universitas Terbuka.” He also spoke in a panel session along with other two panelists on “Ethical Principles for the Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Education.”On June 6, 2024, Prof. Ojat, accompanied by the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, the Director of Graduate School, the Advisor to the Rector, and the Head of the Subdirectorate of Partnership and International Affairs, received a Certificate of Completion for the ICDE Quality Review 2023. The certificate was awarded by ICDE President Dr. Mark Nichols, Secretary General Dr. Torunn Gjelsvik, and quality reviewers Prof. Dr. Ebba Ossianilson and Prof. Dr. KC Li. This certificate underscores UT’s dedication to quality education and improvement across all sectors, meeting international standards.
