The Mali delegation participated in the World Summit on the Future of Higher Education, held on June 6, 2026, at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. The delegation was led by Dr. Mamadou Koumaré, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako and coordinator of the partnership between the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI) and Malian higher education institutions.

a global platform for educational transformation

The summit brought together policymakers, international organizations, university leaders, and tech industry representatives to discuss the future of higher education in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and digital innovation. The event focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry to foster a dynamic ecosystem of skill development and talent nurturing.

Key discussions revolved around integrating emerging technologies into curricula, with a particular emphasis on AI-driven solutions for sectors such as agriculture, commerce, education, and natural sciences. Participants explored innovative training programs designed to equip students with future-ready competencies while promoting lifelong learning initiatives.

Mali’s commitment to digital education

Mali has taken proactive steps to modernize its higher education system. Three leading Malian institutions—the Kurukanfuga University of Bamako, the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako, and the University Pedagogy Institute—have formalized partnerships with UNESCO-ICHEI to advance digital education and AI integration in academia.

These agreements align with the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE), coordinated by Dr. Koumaré, which serves as a hub for collaboration among Malian universities. The initiative aims to enhance human, technical, and technological capacities within the country’s higher education sector.

key outcomes and future directions

The summit concluded with actionable recommendations, including:

• The development of AI-focused training programs tailored to labor market needs.
• The launch of a global report highlighting best practices in tech-driven education.
• The strengthening of the IIOE network to facilitate knowledge exchange and partnership building.

UNESCO reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Mali’s higher education sector, emphasizing equitable access to quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities. The discussions underscored the critical role of public-private collaboration in shaping a resilient and adaptive educational landscape.