This webinar will highlight global trends in higher education data systems and showcase China’s experience in applying AI to student information systems
Date and time: 26 June 2026 – 14:30 to 15:30 (Bangkok, GMT+7)
Format: Online via Zoom (prior registration required)
Prior registration is required:
https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Q4WQdohcRtee9v4GZ_RCC
Target audience: Policymakers and higher education stakeholders based in Asia and the Pacific
Languages: English
The UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok), in cooperation with the Bureau of the Tokyo Convention and APNNIC, will host the fourth session of the Asia-Pacific webinar series on recognition conventions in higher education.
This webinar will share findings from UNESCO’s latest work on higher education data systems, including the UNESCO toolkit for data system strengthening in higher education. By drawing on China’s experience of digital transformation and AI application in student data and information systems, the session aims to foster regional collaboration on strengthening national higher education information systems – a key enabler for fair, transparent, and timely qualifications recognition.
Background
Rising access to higher education and cross-border student mobility are two defining features of the contemporary higher education landscape. The number of students enrolled in higher education worldwide has more than doubled over the past two decades – from about 100 million in 2000 to 269 million in 2024. Today, an average of 43% of the higher education-age population participate in tertiary education, the highest number ever recorded. The number of internationally mobile students in higher education more than tripled over the same period, to nearly 7 million in 2024.
However, this expansion has not translated into equitable opportunities. Student mobility still benefits less than 3% of the global student cohort, only 9% of refugees participate in higher education, and learners from low-income and vulnerable groups continue to face barriers. Meanwhile, the use of artificial intelligence in higher education brings opportunities for more personalized learning but also risks widening existing gaps in access, quality, inclusion, and gender equality.
Robust student data and information systems enable policymakers and institutions to identify enrolment, completion, and mobility trends, as well as disparities affecting marginalized groups. When governed by ethical and equity-oriented frameworks, AI-enabled information systems support evidence-based decision-making, strengthen transparency and trust, and help ensure that digital transformation narrows rather than widens existing gaps.
UNESCO’s Global and Tokyo Conventions provide inclusive frameworks that support the recognition of qualifications, facilitate cross-border mobility, and promote the right to higher education. The Global Convention also encourages the use of technology for easy access to information on assessment and recognition.
About the webinars
This webinar is the fourth in a series developed in cooperation with the Bureau of the Tokyo Convention, aimed at promoting cooperation on qualifications recognition within Asia-Pacific and increasing understanding of the Tokyo Convention and Global Convention in the region.
The Asia-Pacific webinar series brings together policymakers to explore how national systems can better support the recognition of qualifications for lifelong learning, skills development, and employment opportunities to serve national development goals. Following this fourth webinar, two additional webinars will be organised in September and October respectively, in the lead-up to the Sixth Session of the Tokyo Convention Committee and the Fifth APNNIC Plenary.
Objectives
This webinar is designed to facilitate a broad-ranging and interactive discussion on the UNESCO recognition conventions and will include opportunities for participants to provide insights and pose questions to the presenters and panelists.
It aims to:
- Share latest global trends in higher education data systems and the UNESCO toolkit for data system strengthening in higher education.
- Highlight China’s experience of applying AI in the digital transformation of student data and information systems.
- Discuss how Asia-Pacific countries can collaborate to strengthen national higher education information systems and the provision of quality information to support qualifications recognition and mobility, including through APNNIC.
Why you should attend
Participants will gain:
- Global insights into the latest trends in higher education data systems and the UNESCO toolkit for data system strengthening
- Lessons from China’s experience in applying AI and digital transformation to student data and information systems for qualifications recognition
- A deeper understanding of how robust information systems support fair, transparent, and timely recognition under the Tokyo and Global Conventions
- Opportunities to engage with regional policymakers and experts on strengthening national systems and collaboration through APNNIC
Who should attend
- Policymakers and government education officials
- Researchers and civil society organizations
- Higher education personnel
- Students and youth
- Members of APNNIC
Programme
|
14:30 – 14:35 |
Opening and introduction |
|
14:35 – 14:50 |
Presentation: Global and regional trends in higher education information systems – insights from the UNESCO Global Higher Education Trends Report and Higher Education Policy Observatory – Mr. Mathias Bouckaert, Policy Analyst, UNESCO Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO-IESALC) |
|
14:50 – 15:05 |
Presentation: Digitalization and AI Applications in Higher Education: The Case of China – Ms. Yangmei Han, Deputy Director of Degree Division, Centre for Student Services and Development (CSSD), Ministry of Education, P.R. China, President of the Tokyo Convention and APNNIC Bureau (2026–2027) |
|
15:05 – 15:25 |
Discussion: How can Asia-Pacific countries collaborate to strengthen national higher education information systems? Moderator: Mr. Dean Chen, Associate Programme Specialist, Education Section, UNESCO Bangkok, Secretariat of the Tokyo Convention and APNNIC |
|
15:25 – 15:30 |
Wrap up |