ICDE, International Council for Open and Distance Education

29/07/2026

Advancing inclusive, scalable and sustainable education requires collaboration grounded in real-world contexts.💡

Through the Global Advocacy Campaign, ICDE brings members together to co-develop advocacy that reflects regional realities while contributing to a coordinated global voice.

By working through regional task forces, institutions and professionals collaborate, share evidence, and engage in policy discussions that help shape more equitable and accessible education systems worldwide.

Each region brings unique perspectives, challenges, and solutions — and this diversity is what strengthens the global effort.

👉 Learn more about the GAC ang get involved: https://icde.org/global-advocacy-campaign/

🔗 Not yet an ICDE member? Become a member to help strengthen ICDE's global advocacy and be part of the conversation: https://icde.org/become-a-member/

Become a member of our unique, global network of experts and advocates within inclusive education. Together, we can bring education to all. Member benefits include Complete the form below to be considered for membership. Your application will be processed within 30 days. Educational institutions tha...

27/07/2026

The ICDE Oceania Task Force has published an advocacy paper demonstrating how regional collaboration can translate policy discussions into concrete recommendations. 📚

Published by FLANZ (Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand), the paper highlights how online networked learning can help address systemic gaps and improve equitable access to education — particularly for learners in rural and underserved communities.

Building on insights from the ICDE Education Policy Forum 2025, the paper shows how global advocacy efforts can inform national policy and strengthen education systems.

🔗 Read the full paper: https://flanz.org.nz/2026/03/13/flanz-announces-release-of-new-advocacy-paper-on-online-networked-learning/

Learn more about the ICDE Education Policy Forum 2025: https://icde.org/publication/icde-education-policy-forum-report/

23/07/2026

Inclusivity, sustainability, and scalability in open and distance education look different in every region.

As part of ICDE’s Global Advocacy Campaign, the Latin America Task Force is exploring what these concepts mean across Latin America and the Caribbean.

In this clip, Task Force Co-Lead Mary Morocho shares what it takes to scale distance education in the region, highlighting why regional perspectives matter.

🎬 Watch the full video and discover more insights from the Task Force: https://vimeo.com/showcase/12278114?share=copy&fl=sc&fe=fs

👉 Follow ICDE for more Global Advocacy Campaign updates.

20/07/2026

📘Explore the GAC Europe Digital Toolkit.

Developed as part of the ICDE Global Advocacy Campaign, the toolkit defines three core principles—inclusivity, sustainability, and scalability—and illustrates how they are put into practice through case studies from ICDE member institutions.

The Europe Task Force is jointly led by Professor Kate Lister (Arden University) and Mychelle Pride (The Open University). Their work reflects a collaborative effort to turn shared advocacy priorities into practical guidance for the European digital learning context.

🔗 Explore the toolkit and learn more about the Europe Task Force: https://icde.org/global-advocacy-campaign/europe-task-force/

👉 Follow ICDE for more news from our Global Advocacy Campaign.

The Global Advocacy Campaign (GAC) task force for Europe will work on advancing inclusive, scalable, and sustainable education in Europe. Task force actions in 2025 – 2026: 1. Establish context-relevant definitions of inclusive, scalable and sustainable, and agree priority issues/objectives in the...

16/07/2026

Why does advocacy matter in open and distance education?📑

Because policies, funding decisions and public understanding influence who can access quality learning opportunities. Educators and institutions bring valuable insight into what works in practice and where change is needed.

Through ICDE's Global Advocacy Campaign, members across six regions work to advance inclusive, scalable and sustainable approaches to education. By sharing experiences and perspectives, they help strengthen a collective voice for shaping policy and supporting learners worldwide.

In the coming weeks, we'll be highlighting the work of our regional Task Forces and the issues they are championing.

🔗 Learn more about the Global Advocacy Campaign: https://icde.org/global-advocacy-campaign/

👉 Follow ICDE to learn more.

14/07/2026

We commend our institutional member, Universitas Terbuka, for its ongoing commitment to strengthening quality while advancing innovation in open and distance education. 👏

Participation in the ICDE Quality Review Service (QRS) reflects an institution's willingness to engage in independent peer review, share good practice, and continuously improve the student learning experience.

Thank you to Universitas Terbuka and the international review team for their commitment to strengthening quality in higher education.

💡 Learn more about the QRS: https://icde.org/member-services/

👉 Become an ICDE member to access this and other exclusive services: https://icde.org/become-a-member/

10/07/2026

How do we ensure technology enhances learning in meaningful and responsible ways?

The third theme of the Lillehammer Lifelong Learning ICDE Conference 2027 invites critical perspectives and practical insights on shaping the future of digital education—balancing innovation with ethics, quality, and inclusion.

🔗 Learn more about the conference themes and be part of the dialogue in Lillehammer: https://www.lillehammerlll.no/themes-2027/

👉 Follow Senter for livslang læring and ICDE for more theme highlights and insights in the lead-up to the conference.

🎓 Theme 3 of 4 · Technology, AI, and Digital Transformation

How can AI and digital technologies support meaningful and responsible learning?

At the Lillehammer Lifelong Learning ICDE Conference 2027, this theme explores:

→ AI in lifelong learning
→ digital learning design
→ digital credentials
And more...

📍 Lillehammer, 15–17 February 2027

🔗 Explore all the subthemes and submit your contribution: https://www.lillehammerlll.no/contributions-2027/

ICDE, International Council for Open and Distance Education

08/07/2026

Have you explored the latest issue of Open Praxis?💡

The newest issue (Volume 18, Issue 2) of ICDE’s open-access journal examines how education is evolving in an era of rapid technological change.

This edition explores:
🔹Rethinking “educational technology” through global collaboration
🔹Policy insights on innovation and sustainability in the AI era
🔹The impact of generative AI on online learning
🔹Advancing digital equity and accessibility
🔹New perspectives on OER and inclusive education

Together, these contributions offer a nuanced view of the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of education.

🔗 Explore the full issue and join the conversation:

02/07/2026

🎓 How can technology and international cooperation help combat academic fraud?

With the global fake degree market estimated at more than USD 22 billion, addressing fraudulent qualifications has become an urgent priority for higher education systems worldwide.

UNESCO's Global Convention on Higher Education will host a webinar exploring how technology, trusted networks, and cross-border collaboration can support efforts to prevent academic fraud and strengthen qualification recognition.

📍 8 July 2026 | 13:00–14:00 CEST

The session will feature experts from the Groningen Declaration Network, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, and the W3C Verifiable Credentials for Education Task Force.

🔗 Register here: https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rGd3Oy1rQiiytyV604dOZg #/registration

25/06/2026

Do you know someone who has made a real difference in open and distance education? 💡

Nominations are open for the AAOU Meritorious Service Award 2026: recognising outstanding contributions from academics and administrators.

This is a great opportunity to give visibility to individuals whose work has truly advanced the field. The award will be presented at the AAOU Annual Conference. 🎓

👉 Read more and send in your nomination: https://www.aaou.org/2026/05/28/aaou-meritorious-service-award-2026-call-for-nominations/