The UNESCO UNITWIN Network in Distance and Open Learning in East Asia was approved by UNESCO and established in 1997 as the first such network in China, with the Shanghai Open University (SOU) as the network’s coordinating institution. For the past 22 years, SOU has upheld its mandate given by UNESCO, played an active role in the UNITWIN Network, and promoted the dissemination of open learning and lifelong education theory, practice and research. Through the organization of international conferences and other regular exchange activities, the Shanghai Open University serves as an important communication platform for the dissemination of new concepts and reflection on existing practices in the field of open and distance education. This year is the 60th anniversary of SOU, and the 2020 Conference is an important academic activity for the celebration.

In view of the acceleration of globalization, the demographic transformation of the aging society, and rapid technological change, higher education institutions are facing the strategic challenge of lifelong learning, that is, to broaden access to lifelong learning opportunities and transform from elitist to mass education. This is also an important way to achieve the Global Education 2030 Agenda goals, namely to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Universities should be more responsive to the working and living conditions of adult learners, help them not only acquire skills and knowledge, but also maintain or improve their social status, and ultimately enhance their quality of life. Some higher education institutions have already become lifelong learning environments, opening their doors to the whole society rather than just to traditional learners.

During the conference, speakers will focus on how universities can better cope with the challenges of lifelong learning, how to highlight the characteristics and strengths of implementing lifelong learning in higher education institutions while also formulating strategies for transforming those institutions into lifelong learning universities. The conference will allow participants to share valuable guidelines for coping with the above-mentioned challenges and improving collective knowledge. Areas that need further intervention will be identified to enhance lifelong learning implementation.

• University President and Deans’ Dialogue: Opportunities and Challenges for Universities to Promote Lifelong Learning
• Supply-side Reform of Talent Training for Lifelong Learning
• Construction and Application of MOOCs for Lifelong Learning
• Development and Application of Online Intelligent Technology for Lifelong Learning
• Development of New-type Educational Institutions Serving Lifelong Learning
• Qualification Framework Design for Lifelong Learning to Promote Inclusion and Mobility

The conference aims to bring together university presidents and top-level executives, experts, scholars, teachers, researchers and managers in the field of open and distance learning from China and around the world. The size of conference is approximately 200 delegates.

Conference working languages are Chinese and English. Simultaneous Translation will be available at plenary sessions, and English will be used at theme forums.

Registration opens now! Payment can be made in either US Dollar or Chinese Yuan. For regular attendee, the registration fee is $200 or ￥1300.

The conference registration fee can be paid by either remittance or on-site (credit card / cash). Those who need to receive the invoice during the conference should complete the remittance before May 7, so that we can issue the invoice for you in time.

Our bank account:
Shanghai Open University
Wujiaochang Sub-branch of Shanghai Branch of Agricultural Bank of China
03374600801117840
swift code: ABOCCNBJ090

Please indicate EduXChange2020 in the remittance message.

The registration fee include admission to all conference sessions, a conference package, reception dinner, coffee breaks and lunches (21-22 May 2020). The registration fee DOES NOT include travel costs, accommodation, local transportation and health insurance. Shanghai Open University can book the queen room of Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Wujiaochang for you at an agreement price of ￥380 / night.

Keynote speeches, papers from invited experts and conference outcome will be published jointly by SOU and UIL.

Ms. LI Dounan
Tel: 86-21-25653356
Email: lidn@sou.edu.cn

Ms. HAN Yu
Tel: 86-21-25653006
Email: hanyu@sou.edu.cn