3rd UNESCO World OER Congress in Dubai Concludes with Action Plan to Empower Students Worldwide

The 3rd UNESCO World Open Educational Resources (OER) Congress, jointly organized by UNESCO and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), has concluded successfully after two days of transformative discussions and sessions. This landmark event, held for the first time in the Arab region, brought together over 500 participants, including global leaders, policymakers, and educators, to explore innovative approaches to inclusive and equitable education.

Themed “Digital Public Goods: Open Solutions and AI for Inclusive Access to Knowledge,” the congress emphasized the potential of OER and emerging technologies in ensuring global educational equity. High-level attendees included ministers, academics, and representatives from the private sector, along with experts from UNESCO, ICESCO, ALECSO, and other international organizations.

Key Highlights and Discussions

Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, highlighted the transformative potential of OER in addressing global educational challenges. “Collaboration and leveraging digital tools are essential for enhancing education access,” he stated during the session on “Leveraging Open Solutions for a Resilient Digital Compact Environment.”

H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, remarked on the significance of hosting the event in Dubai. “This congress is a testament to our commitment to knowledge dissemination and development. It strengthens the UAE’s position as a hub for global education and innovation efforts,” he said.

The congress’ sessions explored topics such as:

• Harnessing AI and machine learning to improve digital accessibility.

• Advancing global cooperation on digital education.

• Addressing intellectual property challenges in the context of OER and advanced technologies.

• Expanding equitable educational opportunities for underserved communities, including African nations and small island developing states.

The Dubai Declaration on Open Educational Resources

A key outcome of the congress was the adoption of the “Dubai Declaration on Open Educational Resources,” which outlines strategies to:

• Promote quality and inclusive education.

• Develop new workforce capacities through OER.

• Implement policies for sustainable digital public resources.

• Foster international partnerships for enhancing digital collaboration.

The declaration serves as the foundation for a seven-year strategy aimed at empowering students globally and bridging educational gaps. Discussions also examined UNESCO’s 2019 recommendations on OER implementation and the progress made in key regions.

Global Collaboration and Local Impact

The congress showcased exemplary initiatives, such as the UNESCO University Twinning Network on Open Education and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Open Educational Resource Repository. Participating countries, including Malaysia, Morocco, Cuba, and Madagascar, presented success stories on integrating open education solutions into national frameworks.

Through its comprehensive discussions and actionable outcomes, the 3rd UNESCO World OER Congress delivered a powerful message about the role of OER in transforming global education. By leveraging digital public goods and fostering international collaboration, the congress reaffirmed the commitment to achieving inclusive and equitable access to knowledge.