The event, themed “Digital Public Goods: Open Solutions and AI for Inclusive Access to Knowledge,” produced the Dubai Declaration on OER, accelerating efforts to make learning more accessible, equitable and inclusive. This 3rd UNESCO World OER Congress examined mechanisms for optimizing openly licensed learning content to address the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies and AI.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, inaugurated the 3rd UNESCO World OER Congress at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
In her opening speech, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa emphasized the pivotal role of the Congress in unlocking the potential of OER to enhance access to knowledge and foster collaboration in digital education. Her Highness highlighted the importance of aligning global efforts to promote shared learning and to leverage technology to address global challenges.
UNESCO
As we face rapid technological progress, it is essential that we develop licensed programs that provide reliable information, ensuring a solid foundation for the future of education worldwide.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa
The 3rd World OER Congress witnessed participation of government officials, educators and technology innovators from across the globe, all united in the mission to enhance access to education through OER. Over two days, the event showcased the latest developments in OER initiatives and explored how digital solutions, including artificial intelligence (AI), can help expand access to quality education for all.
The Congress featured a Ministerial Panel: Shaping the Future of Education, chaired by Ms Louise Haxthausen, Director of UNESCO Nairobi. The panelists discussed innovative national approaches to fostering inclusion through OER.
At the heart of the congress was a discussion on the need for a robust global OER ecosystem that facilitates collaboration and supports sustainable models of OER. A central theme throughout the congress was the role of digital public goods—open educational resources that are freely accessible and can be adapted or repurposed to meet local needs—in enhancing education systems worldwide.
The congress focused on how artificial intelligence (AI) can complement OER efforts, particularly in terms of personalizing learning and creating inclusive content. Panel discussions and presentations highlighted various AI applications, from automated content creation to data analytics that can help educators understand student needs and improve educational outcomes.
UNESCO
We have a unique opportunity to reshape the educational landscape by fostering a culture of openness and collaboration OER are not just educational tools—they are key to ensuring that education remains accessible, inclusive and adaptive to the needs of diverse communities.
Tawfik JelassiAssistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO
A thought-provoking session, ‘Harnessing OER and Generative AI for Digital Inclusion,’ explored how AI and OER can address key global challenges, from gender parity in education to inclusivity in digital spaces. Dr Colin de la Higuera, UNESCO Chair in Open Educational Resources at Université of Nantes, France, chaired the session.
Another session, ‘The Value Proposition for Openly Licensed Learning Content,’ highlighted global best practices and innovative applications of OER. Dr. Tawfik Jelassi discussed the 2019 UNESCO Recommendation on OER and its vision for the future, while Ms Anna Tumadóttir, CEO of Creative Commons, Iceland, underscored the critical role of open licensing in shaping the future of education. Two breakout sessions focused on implementing the 2019 Recommendation on OER, aligning with UNESCO’s vision to strengthen capacity building and policy development for OER. Action Area 1 focused on building capacity through OER repositories and training, while Action Area 2 explored the creation of policies to support OER adoption, addressing critical issues like data protection and privacy.
Action Areas 3 and 4 focused on enhancing the quality, accessibility and sustainability of OER. Discussions centered on promoting gender equality and addressing the unique needs of vulnerable groups such as youth, indigenous communities, and small island developing states (SIDS).
One of the standout achievements of the congress was the emphasis on cross-border collaboration. Participants from Member States, civil society and the private sector discussed strategies for creating and maintaining sustainable OER ecosystems. Building on the 2nd World OER Congress held in Slovenia, Dr. Maja Zalaznik, former Minister of Education and Sports, Vice President of the Slovenian National Commission, shared valuable insights into Slovenian national OER initiatives, which have been crucial in promoting the widespread adoption of OER across Europe.
The congress also addressed critical issues such as the digital divide and the need for policy frameworks that encourage the development and adoption of OER. Experts highlighted the importance of creating national OER policies that align with 2019 Recommendation, ensuring that OER are integrated into formal education systems.
The Dubai Declaration on OER was formally adopted on 20 November 2024. This document will serve as a roadmap for governments, institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen their commitments to OER and to ensure that digital public goods are central to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
This outcome document calls for concrete actions to expand the use of OER in educational systems, emphasizing the importance of using AI for more inclusivity, equity and sustainability. It also outlines steps for enhancing the quality of OER content, building the capacity of stakeholders, and fostering international cooperation in the creation and dissemination of OER.
The 3rd UNESCO World OER Congress concluded on a hopeful note, reaffirming the transformative potential of OER and digital public goods in shaping the future of education. As global leaders and educators commit to the actions outlined in the Dubai Declaration, the path forward looks promising, with OER poised to play a central role in achieving inclusive and equitable education for all.
A Strong Commitment to Open Educational Resources
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, inaugurated the 3rd UNESCO World OER Congress at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
In her opening speech, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa emphasized the pivotal role of the Congress in unlocking the potential of OER to enhance access to knowledge and foster collaboration in digital education. Her Highness highlighted the importance of aligning global efforts to promote shared learning and to leverage technology to address global challenges.
UNESCO
As we face rapid technological progress, it is essential that we develop licensed programs that provide reliable information, ensuring a solid foundation for the future of education worldwide.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa
The 3rd World OER Congress witnessed participation of government officials, educators and technology innovators from across the globe, all united in the mission to enhance access to education through OER. Over two days, the event showcased the latest developments in OER initiatives and explored how digital solutions, including artificial intelligence (AI), can help expand access to quality education for all.
The Congress featured a Ministerial Panel: Shaping the Future of Education, chaired by Ms Louise Haxthausen, Director of UNESCO Nairobi. The panelists discussed innovative national approaches to fostering inclusion through OER.
At the heart of the congress was a discussion on the need for a robust global OER ecosystem that facilitates collaboration and supports sustainable models of OER. A central theme throughout the congress was the role of digital public goods—open educational resources that are freely accessible and can be adapted or repurposed to meet local needs—in enhancing education systems worldwide.
The congress focused on how artificial intelligence (AI) can complement OER efforts, particularly in terms of personalizing learning and creating inclusive content. Panel discussions and presentations highlighted various AI applications, from automated content creation to data analytics that can help educators understand student needs and improve educational outcomes.
UNESCO
We have a unique opportunity to reshape the educational landscape by fostering a culture of openness and collaboration OER are not just educational tools—they are key to ensuring that education remains accessible, inclusive and adaptive to the needs of diverse communities.
Tawfik JelassiAssistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO
Exploring the Cutting-Edge of OER and AI
A thought-provoking session, ‘Harnessing OER and Generative AI for Digital Inclusion,’ explored how AI and OER can address key global challenges, from gender parity in education to inclusivity in digital spaces. Dr Colin de la Higuera, UNESCO Chair in Open Educational Resources at Université of Nantes, France, chaired the session.
Another session, ‘The Value Proposition for Openly Licensed Learning Content,’ highlighted global best practices and innovative applications of OER. Dr. Tawfik Jelassi discussed the 2019 UNESCO Recommendation on OER and its vision for the future, while Ms Anna Tumadóttir, CEO of Creative Commons, Iceland, underscored the critical role of open licensing in shaping the future of education. Two breakout sessions focused on implementing the 2019 Recommendation on OER, aligning with UNESCO’s vision to strengthen capacity building and policy development for OER. Action Area 1 focused on building capacity through OER repositories and training, while Action Area 2 explored the creation of policies to support OER adoption, addressing critical issues like data protection and privacy.
Action Areas 3 and 4 focused on enhancing the quality, accessibility and sustainability of OER. Discussions centered on promoting gender equality and addressing the unique needs of vulnerable groups such as youth, indigenous communities, and small island developing states (SIDS).
Collaboration at the Heart of Change
One of the standout achievements of the congress was the emphasis on cross-border collaboration. Participants from Member States, civil society and the private sector discussed strategies for creating and maintaining sustainable OER ecosystems. Building on the 2nd World OER Congress held in Slovenia, Dr. Maja Zalaznik, former Minister of Education and Sports, Vice President of the Slovenian National Commission, shared valuable insights into Slovenian national OER initiatives, which have been crucial in promoting the widespread adoption of OER across Europe.
The congress also addressed critical issues such as the digital divide and the need for policy frameworks that encourage the development and adoption of OER. Experts highlighted the importance of creating national OER policies that align with 2019 Recommendation, ensuring that OER are integrated into formal education systems.
The Dubai Call for Action: A Milestone in OER Advocacy
The Dubai Declaration on OER was formally adopted on 20 November 2024. This document will serve as a roadmap for governments, institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen their commitments to OER and to ensure that digital public goods are central to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
This outcome document calls for concrete actions to expand the use of OER in educational systems, emphasizing the importance of using AI for more inclusivity, equity and sustainability. It also outlines steps for enhancing the quality of OER content, building the capacity of stakeholders, and fostering international cooperation in the creation and dissemination of OER.
The 3rd UNESCO World OER Congress concluded on a hopeful note, reaffirming the transformative potential of OER and digital public goods in shaping the future of education. As global leaders and educators commit to the actions outlined in the Dubai Declaration, the path forward looks promising, with OER poised to play a central role in achieving inclusive and equitable education for all.