On 4 October 2023, Commonwealth of Learning (COL) President and CEO, Professor Asha Kanwar, welcomed 24 attendees from 12 different countries to the High-level Roundtable for Vice Chancellors and Senior Officials at the Open University of Mauritius (OUM).
Hosted by COL in partnership with OUM, the two-day roundtable centred on various themes, including key issues such as relevance, technology, climate change and leadership.
The main objective of the meeting is to engage higher education leaders on a common platform in order to delve into forward-thinking strategies that can proactively position universities in the face of global disruptions, both known and unknown. There is a need to recognise the changing demographics and evolving needs of the student population, ensuring that institutions remain responsive and adaptive. The transformative potential of recent technological breakthroughs, such as generative artificial intelligence and its implications on the education sector, must also be grasped. The pivotal role of universities in realising the ambitions of SDG4, fostering sustainable development, gender equality, global citizenship and more, needs to be championed. Additionally, the meeting aims to provide a platform for sharing best leadership practices that can bring increased efficiency and effectiveness to institutions. By engaging higher education leaders on these pertinent issues, the meeting seeks to stimulate discussion on the future of universities and how they can enhance their relevance in a fast-changing world.
The COL President and Adviser: Higher Education, Dr Jako Olivier presented two sessions on the first day. The first session focused on the relevance of micro-credentials for open and distance learning (ODL). It was moderated by Professor Romeela Mohee, Higher Education Commissioner, Mauritius. It was followed by a session on technology and higher education, with a focus on generative AI and its implications for ODL moderated by Professor Dato’ Dr Ansary Ahmed of Asia eUniversity, Malaysia. The two sessions provided an opportunity for engaging in discussions on pertinent issues related to micro-credentials, generative AI and the future of ODL.
In her welcome address, Professor Kanwar highlighted the need to create an ecosystem that promotes lifelong learning for all — including recognition of prior learning, considering integrating employability pathways, developing and implementing policies to provide affordable and low-cost options to persons with disabilities and investing more in staff development, learner support and technology.
