On June 6, 2026, the World Summit on the Future of Higher Education convened at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) Convention Center in Shenzhen, China. The Republic of Mali sent a high-level delegation led by Dr. Mamadou Koumaré, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako and Coordinator of the partnership between the International Center for Higher Education Innovation under UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI) and Mali’s higher education institutions.

The summit brought together thought leaders, government representatives, international organizations, academia, and tech industry pioneers to reimagine the intersection of higher education and cutting-edge industries.

Redefining skills development for the digital age

The primary objective was to foster a collaborative ecosystem where higher education and technology sectors co-create innovative pathways for talent development. Discussions centered on integrating artificial intelligence into curricula across multiple sectors including agriculture, commerce, education, and natural sciences.

Key outcomes included concrete proposals for:

• Capacity-building through AI-driven training programs tailored to sector-specific needs
• Showcasing exemplary tech initiatives to promote best practices
• Strengthening the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) network through a comprehensive global report and active partner engagement

Bridging academia and industry

The summit facilitated unprecedented collaboration between higher education institutions and technology companies, emphasizing joint talent development models powered by artificial intelligence. Stakeholders explored innovative curriculum design, practical skill enhancement, and continuous learning mechanisms.

This gathering follows Mali’s recent partnerships with UNESCO-ICHEI. Three Malian institutions – the Kurukanfuga University of Bamako, the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako, and the University Institute of Advanced Teaching – have formalized collaborations to advance digital transformation and AI integration in higher education. Dr. Koumaré oversees the IIOE hub that unites these institutions.

UNESCO’s commitment to Mali’s educational advancement

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Mali’s higher education sector through capacity-building initiatives in human, technical, and technological domains.