This year UNESCO IITE Governing Board (GB) held its 24th Session in Beijing, China at the premises of Beijing Normal University on 21 August. Professor Asha Kanwar, Chair of the GB, opened the Meeting and made her statement. Professor Kanwar expressed her thanks and appreciation to the Russian government for continued support and to UNESCO ADG for Education for the leadership. During the opening session, the video statements were made by UNESCO Assistant Director-General (ADG) for Education Ms. Stefania Giannini, and the representatives of the Russian Government namely the Commission of the Russian Federation by Ms. Ksenia Gaverdovskaya and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation by Ms. Ksenia Trinchenko, the Director of Department for International Cooperation. Ms. Ksenia Trinchenko is also IITE Governing Board Member from Russia. Ms. Giannini, in her video statement, expressed the appreciation and thanks to Professor Kanwar and all GB members, the Russian government and IITE’s team. She believes that IITE has a critical role to play in UNESCO’s vision of promoting technology in education, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). All statements included highlights and achievements of the Institute, suggestions to the programme activities and continued support to the Institute.
The session followed with reports by Mr. Tao Zhan, IITE Director, the Chiefs of Units and Head of Administrative office on the activities of the Institute, programme achievements, financial situation and a way forward for the implementation of the ongoing and pipeline projects of IITE. All reports were discussed, recommendations and respective decisions were made during the 24th Session of the Governing Board meeting. IITE GB members stressed that IITE has done impressive work collectively with its global partners in supporting Member States, policy makers, teachers and mobilizing youth. During the Session, GB members also provided further comments on IITE’s partnership and fundraising, programme priority and focus, enhancing visibility, collaboration with UNESCO HQs and the Russian Federation – the Host Country and other relevant issues. The statement of the GB Chair and comments of GB members focused on how to seize the momentum and new opportunities that IITE is facing with the rapid development of digital technology, especially Generative AI.
In addition to the Governing Board Meeting this year the GB Members have joined the Global Smart Education Conference (GSE2024) in Beijing, invited by the Beijing Normal University to participate at the conference as keynote speakers during 18-20 August 2024. All GB Members were present at the Opening and Closing Ceremony of the Conference. Additionally, they and IITE team were participating in the sessions and forums such as Forum on Digital Transformation through Smart Education, Forum on Mental & Physical Health Supporting Personal Development of Adolescents, Forum on Digital Education and Lifelong Learning and other activities.
Global Smart Education (GSE) Conference is an annual event co-organized by Beijing Normal University (BNU) and IITE. Since 2022, it is also the annual conference of Global Smart Education Network (GSENet) initiated by BNU, IITE and other international organizations. Please visit GSE 2024 Conference website for more information.
The IITE Governing Board usually meets at least once a year to define the general policy of the Institute, to approve the IITE Programme Activities and Budget as well as to provide guidance on the Institute’s operations.
Members of IITE Governing Board are appointed by the Director-General of UNESCO on a geographical distribution and gender balance, they are chosen for their eminence in the field and sit in a personal capacity.
Currently the Governing Board of IITE has 11 members including the Chair and Vice Chair.
