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Global MOOC and Online Education Conference 2025

The Global MOOC and Online Education Conference 2025, dedicated to the theme "Breaking Boundaries and Reshaping Futures: Open and Intelligent Global Education", took place from December 2 to 4 at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). This prestigious event attracted over 180 representatives from 76 universities, online platforms, international organizations, and government agencies across 34 countries and regions, marking a significant milestone in online education.

Opening Ceremony Highlights

The conference commenced with an opening ceremony where notable speeches were delivered by prominent figures including Li Luming, President of Tsinghua University and Chairman of the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance; Patricia Dávila Aranda, General Secretary of UNAM; and Asha Kanwar, Chair of the UNESCO IITE Governing Board. A video message from Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, further enhanced the opening session.

In his address, President Li warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed gratitude for their participation. He provided an overview of the alliance's achievements over the past year in four key areas: quality, equity, community, and wisdom. He announced the official induction of the Vietnam National University in Hanoi and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro as new members of the alliance.

Innovations in Education

During the conference, President Li discussed practical paths for universities in the AI era, emphasizing the importance of breaking down disciplinary barriers and redefining institutional roles. He also highlighted Tsinghua University's commitment to developing an AI-based educational model, aimed at transforming educational paradigms. President Li called upon universities worldwide to join forces in leveraging intelligent technologies to overcome limitations of time, space, disciplines, and traditional teacher-student roles. This collaboration is seen as essential for creating a more inclusive and resilient educational ecosystem for the future.

Comments from UNESCO and UNAM

Stefania Giannini praised the alliance for its dedication to global educational equity and inclusivity. She urged for international cooperation to ensure transformative benefits for all learners. Patricia Dávila encouraged universities to use the conference as an opportunity to collaboratively build a more inclusive, intelligent, and human-centered educational ecosystem.

Reports and Initiatives Announced

Li, Dávila, Kanwar, and Anabel de la Rosa Gómez, Coordinator of Open University and Digital Education at UNAM, jointly released the 2025 Report on the Digital Development of Global Higher Education and the 2025 Global Higher Education Digital Development Index. A significant outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Mexico City Declaration and the introduction of the concept of “Intelligent MOOCs”. Several innovative MOOCs were presented, including a course titled “Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics” developed by Tsinghua University.

Future Events

Simultaneously, a board meeting of the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance was held where Peng Gang, Tsinghua University's Vice President and Chairman of the Executive Committee, participated and addressed the assembly. It was determined that the Vietnam National University in Hanoi will co-host the Global MOOC and Online Education Conference in 2026, ensuring the continuity of this pivotal global dialogue.

As the conference came to a close, participants left with renewed inspiration and strategies to advance online education, marking yet another successful chapter in the ongoing evolution of global educational methodologies.