The International Open University Vice Chancellor, Professor Makie Taal, is currently attending the International Association of Universities’ (IAU) 17th General Conference on 'The Value of Universities in the Era of Artificial Intelligence' hosted by Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.

The conference features a dynamic program exploring emerging trends in higher education, drawing on diverse perspectives from all regions of the world, with over 240 participants mainly Vice Chancellors, Presidents, Rectors, and senior university administrators representing over 150 universities from more than 80 countries globally, to discuss these important questions and to inspire and shape institutional transformation.

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is a turning point for human society and knowledge. By changing how we create and share information, AI mimics capabilities that used to define the human experience. This transformation fundamentally challenges how we learn and perceive the world, urging us to carefully consider the ethics and values that should govern our future alongside machines. AI is rapidly changing how knowledge is created, accessed, and shared. Institutions of higher education are actively navigating the dual landscapes of opportunity and disruption precipitated by these advancements. Concurrently, universities must reconcile escalating demands from state actors, industry partners, students, and the broader public with an unwavering commitment to their foundational tripartite mission: pedagogy, scholarly research, and public service.

This conference serves as a critical forum to provide an opportunity to examine how our institutions can navigate technological change while preserving the values that make universities essential to society. The International Open University is actively developing and integrating bespoke artificial intelligence models into its operational and pedagogical frameworks.