Emphasising Artificial Intelligence and Facilitating International Communication: Globethics Visits OUC

On 22 March2024, a delegation led by Professor Christoph Stückelberger, president of the Globethics Foundation of Switzerland, visited the Open University of China (OUC).

Fan Xianrui, a member of the CPC OUC Party Committee and vice president of the OUC, welcomed the guests and engaged in discussions. Representatives from the College of International Education (Office of Foreign Affairs; Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs), Engineering Research Centre, and Department of Digitalisation were also present at the event.

Fan Xianrui highlighted that the ICDE Leadership Summit, scheduled for this June, centres on the theme "Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI: Rethinking Futures of Education." This theme reflects the Summit's dedication to addressing pressing issues in the spheres of education and technology. The OUC places a high value on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in open university education, actively encouraging the seamless integration of AI with open education. It consistently emphasises that AI development must be "people-oriented," with a strong focus on the ethical and value-related concerns that emerge from AI technology advancements. She hopes that both parties will engage in ongoing and thorough discussions on these matters in the future.

Professor Stückelberger reviewed the enduring friendship and shared history between the Globethics Foundation of Switzerland and the OUC, as well as their bonds with open distance education. As the host of the ICDE Leadership Summit 2024, he sincerely invited Fan Xianrui, on behalf of the foundation, to attend the Summit and deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

Representatives from the College of International Education (Office of Foreign Affairs; Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs), the Engineering Research Centre, and the Department of Digitalisation held in-depth discussions with the visiting guests, reaching an initial consensus on matters including the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

Written by Wang Xiangxu, photos by Zhuge Huanyu, OUC