#Mexico #Mexico City #Tsinghua University #UNAM #MOOC

Global MOOC Conference 2025: Reshaping Online Education in Mexico

The 2025 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference took place from December 2-4 at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), focusing on the theme "Breaking Boundaries to Reshape the Future through Open and Intelligent Global Education". This significant event attracted over 180 representatives from 76 universities, online platforms, international organizations, and government agencies across 34 countries and regions, demonstrating the global commitment to enhancing online education.

Opening Ceremony Highlights

The opening ceremony set an inspiring tone for the conference, featuring key figures like Li Luming, President of Tsinghua University and Chairman of the Global MOOC Alliance. He, along with Patricia Dávila Aranda, General Secretary of UNAM, and Asha Kanwar, Chair of the Governing Board of UNESCO’s Institute for Information Technologies in Education, delivered impactful speeches. A notable recorded address from Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in education.

During his address, President Li highlighted the fruitful year for the MOOC Alliance, emphasizing progress in quality, equity, community, and knowledge. He announced the official integration of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro as new members of the Alliance, signaling a growing network of educational institutions committed to expanding online learning.

Insights and Innovations

Li provided an in-depth analysis of practical steps universities can take in the AI era, suggesting ways to dismantle disciplinary boundaries and redefine institutional roles. He introduced Tsinghua University’s initiative to create a model of education that is "natively designed for AI," urging universities worldwide to collaborate in leveraging intelligent technologies. This approach aims to transcend traditional barriers—be they temporal, spatial, or disciplinary—shaping a more resilient and inclusive future for education.

Giannini praised the Alliance’s efforts towards equity and inclusion, advocating for international cooperation to ensure that transformative educational opportunities reach all learners. Dávila echoed this sentiment, calling upon participating universities to build a more intelligent and human-centered educational ecosystem together.

Reports and Declarations

The conference also witnessed the launch of two pivotal reports: the "Report on the Digital Development of Global Higher Education (2025)" and the "Digital Development Index of Global Higher Education (2025)". These documents outlined the current state and future directions of digital education worldwide, reinforcing a commitment to progress and innovation.

The conference introduced the concept of "Smart MOOCs" for the first time globally and launched a series of intelligent MOOCs, including a course on chemical engineering thermodynamics from Tsinghua University, highlighting the integration of advanced technology into course design.

Future Collaboration

In addition to the main conference activities, the Executive Board meeting of the Global MOOC Alliance was held simultaneously, where Peng Gang, Vice President of Tsinghua University, and chair of the committee, spoke about future collaborations. A decision was made for the National University of Vietnam, Hanoi, to co-host the 2026 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference, ensuring the continuity of dialogues on educational advancement across borders.

Conclusion

The 2025 Global MOOC Conference served as a vital platform for fostering discussions on innovation and collaboration in online education. The insights gained from this event will undoubtedly influence the future of MOOCs and digital learning, as educators and institutions work together to create a more equitable and effective educational landscape.