Guided by the Department of Vocational and Adult Education of the Ministry of Education (MOE), organised by the Open University of China (OUC) and Shanghai Open University (OU), and co-organised by the MOE Vocational Education Development Centre, East China Normal University, and the China Adult Education Association, on 30 January, this parallel session convened approximately 240 representatives from education departments, universities, and research institutions across 35 countries and regions to discuss advancements in digital education and the construction of learning societies.

Background

The 2024 World Digital Education Conference (WDEC) will be held in Shanghai, China on 29-31 January 2024, co-hosted by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO and Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

A delegation led by Fan Xianrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the Open University of China (OUC), visited Belgium, Ireland, and France from 5 to 14 December 2023.

Upon the invitation of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) and the Universidad Estatal a Distancia de Costa Rica, Wang Qiming, secretary of the Party Committee and president of the Open University of China (OUC), led a delegation to the 29th ICDE World Conference.

On 3 November 2023, a delegation from the Open University, UK (OUUK), led by Professor Kevin Shakesheff, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of OUUK, paid a visit to the Open University of China (OUC).

From 15-22 October 2023, Cao Guoyong, executive deputy secretary of the Party Committee at the Open University of China (OUC), led a delegation which included Cheng Gang, director of the Information Technology Department; He Jing, director of the News Centre; and Shi Yunzhi, deputy director of the International Department.