This year, the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) convened its Governing Board (GB) in Beijing, China, for its 26th Session, held on 20 August 2026 within the framework of the Global Smart Education (GSE2026) Conference.

Speakers highlighted that growing demand for AI teacher training offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen MIL, shared national policy experiences, and called for proactive, equitable approaches to navigating the rapidly evolving AI-driven information landscape.

The session “AI and Women’s Leadership in Higher Education: Insights from UNESCO IITE and UNESCO-ICHEI Initiatives” explored how strengthening women’s AI competencies, leadership and institutional support can advance more inclusive digital transformation, drawing on the experience of 'Women Leading Change in Africa'.

Under the theme “Reimagining Education in the Age of AI: Equity, Quality, and Sustainability,” the Conference launched the Global Smart School Initiative and addressed a broad spectrum of critical topics, including AI-enabled school transformation and AI governance as a global common good.

The Steering Committee was co-chaired by Ms Shafika Isaacs, Interim Director of UNESCO IITE. The initiative explores ways to support learners through educational innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the responsible, ethical use of digital technologies and AI-driven solutions.