The Mali delegation made waves at the Global Higher Education Summit held in Shenzhen, China, on June 6, 2026. The event, organized by the Southern University of Science and Technology, brought together leaders from academia, government, international organizations, tech giants, and higher education institutions to reimagine the future of university education in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Mali’s role in shaping the future of higher education
The Mali delegation was led by Dr. Mamadou Koumaré, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako. As the national coordinator of the UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (UNESCO-ICHEI), Dr. Koumaré played a key role in fostering collaboration between Malian universities and global partners in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The summit highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between higher education and emerging technologies. Discussions centered on creating innovative training programs in artificial intelligence, with a focus on sectors such as agriculture, commerce, education, and natural sciences. The goal is to cultivate a new generation of professionals equipped to tackle real-world challenges using cutting-edge tools.
Key outcomes and commitments
The summit produced actionable recommendations to strengthen higher education systems through:
- Innovative training programs focused on artificial intelligence and its practical applications across multiple industries.
- Knowledge sharing through the identification and promotion of successful digital initiatives from the tech sector.
- Strengthening the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) by publishing a comprehensive global report and expanding its network of partners.
- Enhanced collaboration between universities and tech companies to co-develop talent pipelines powered by artificial intelligence.
- Curriculum innovation and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities.
Dr. Koumaré also emphasized the importance of Mali’s three leading institutions—Kurukanfuga University of Bamako, the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako, and the Institute of University Pedagogy—in driving digital transformation. These institutions have signed strategic partnerships with UNESCO-ICHEI to advance AI integration in higher education.
UNESCO’s ongoing support for Mali
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) remains committed to supporting Mali in strengthening its higher education sector. This support includes capacity building in human, technical, and technological domains to ensure sustainable development and innovation in the country’s educational landscape.
