The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) participated on April 1, 2026, in a virtual international forum organized by the Global Smart Education Network (GSENet) under the theme: “Shaping AI or Being Shaped by AI? Impact of AI on Learners.” The event brought together leading experts, policymakers, and representatives from international academic and technology institutions.

ALECSO was represented by Dr. Mohamed Jemni, Director of ICT, who delivered a presentation entitled “AI and Lifelong Learning: Opportunities, Challenges, and ALECSO’s Efforts in the Arab Region.” In his address, he highlighted the profound transformations driven by artificial intelligence across the domains of work, knowledge, and education. He emphasized that lifelong learning is no longer an option, but a practical necessity for keeping pace with rapid global changes.

Dr. Jemni underscored the significant opportunities AI offers for advancing lifelong learning, including enabling personalized learning pathways, providing intelligent support, and enhancing writing, translation, and feedback processes. He also highlighted AI’s role in promoting flexible and open learning across formal, non-formal, and informal contexts. At the same time, he drew attention to key challenges, particularly those related to equitable access, data protection, transparency, and safeguarding the human dimension in education.

Dr. Jemni reviewed ALECSO’s major initiatives in the Arab region, including the ALECSO Charter on AI Ethics, capacity-building programs, digital skills development initiatives, and efforts to advance digital transformation in education. He also highlighted initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive innovation and expanding access to education for all, including persons with disabilities.

In conclusion, Dr. Jemni emphasized that artificial intelligence can serve as a powerful driver of lifelong learning when guided by human values, sound policies, and effective partnerships—ensuring that learning remains ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.

It is worth noting that ALECSO is a founding member of the Global Smart Education Network (GSENet), alongside Beijing Normal University and the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education. This reflects ALECSO’s continued commitment to contributing actively to international efforts aimed at harnessing AI and emerging technologies to promote more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable education. This participation also aligns with ALECSO’s broader efforts to strengthen its presence on international platforms focused on the future of education and digital transformation.