On 6-7 June 2024, representatives from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) attended the 2nd and 3rd day of ICDE Leadership Summit 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit, titled “Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI: Rethinking Futures of Education.”
Organized by the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) and Globethics, the summit brought together higher education leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI technology into education.
STOU representatives included Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President, Asst. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs.
The summit featured a variety of engaging sessions, including: Keynote addresses, Panel discussions, and Parallel workshops. One of the central themes of the summit was the development of ethical frameworks to guide the responsible use of AI in education. This included discussions on:
- Identifying and addressing potential ethical issues arising from the use of AI, such as bias, discrimination, and data privacy concerns.
- Establishing principles and guidelines for the implementation of AI in education that promote fairness, transparency, and accountability.
- Ensuring that AI applications align with educational values and prioritize student well-being and learning outcomes.
In addition to participating in the ICDE Leadership Summit, STOU also took the opportunity to meet with the Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) to discuss the organization of a panel session and invite ICDE GAC ASIA member universities to a Working Group Meeting at the upcoming 2nd International Conference of Digital Business, Society & Economy (ICDBSE 2024).
STOU is the proud host of ICDBSE 2024 in partnership with Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) in Malaysia. The conference has received the esteemed support of The Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), and the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU). These leading organizations in open and distance education will contribute to the conference’s discussions and enrich the overall experience for participants.
After the conclusion of the summit, the administrators of STOU had the opportunity to informally visit the University of Geneva, one of the most prestigious universities in Switzerland. They gained a valuable insight into the university’s vibrant academic community and its rich history.
STOU’s participation in these international events reflects our commitment topromoting ethical leadership in the digital age, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among higher education institutions worldwide, and advancing innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the era of AI.
