Global Education Meeting

Dr. Alexandra Okada and her network, CONNECT 2030, participated in the Global Education Meeting (GEM), organized by UNESCO.

The GEM was held in Fortaleza on October 31st and November 1st, 2024, and was attended by ministers of education, as well as representatives from governments and international. organizations.

CONNECT 2030 was one of the top 22 global initiatives selected by UNESCO to support the acceleration of Quality Education by 2030.

The network led by The Open University OU-UK includes a variety of organizations. Representatives who were able to attend GEM2024 included the NGO Anjos Digitais, the Secretary of Education (SEDUC) of Ceará’s government, and three universities—UFSC, UFCA, and UNEB with the OU-UK.

CONNECT 2030’s presentations focused on Digital Transformation to Empower Youth.

The network presented five initiatives of CONNECT2030, each with key recommendations:

1. AI to Protect Ecosystems and vulnerable communities affected by climate change (led by OU, MSC, RDE):
   All youth, alongside local communities, researchers, and AI, have the right to fully develop their potential through education focused on communication and ecosystems protection. This initiative has been supported by secretary of education of São Paulo and Amazon implemented in rainforest, wetlands, and  territories affected by fire including Afro-indigenous and other vulnerable communities.
2. Audiovisual Resources for Heritage and Cultural protection and resilience (led by UFCA and supported by The OU):
   All youth, in collaboration with audiovisual media and digital networks, have the right to expand their creative expression through education that preserves local culture, promotes urban sustainability with digital transformation. This initiative has been supported the secretary of education of ceara including local communities in the semi-arid of Brasil.
3. AR for Health and Well-being (led by UFSC and supported by The OU):
   All youth, together with their families and health professionals, have the right to enhance their knowledge of well-being through education supported by augmented reality technologies. This initiative supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation has been implemented at national level
4. Digital Inclusion for Gender Equality and Equity (led by Anjos Digitais and supported by The OU):
   All women, empowered by gender equality, have the right to enrich their digital skills through education that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in their communities to transform their lives. This initiative also supported by Brasil Government has been implemented in the North and Northeast of Brazil.
5. Mobile Tools for Decent Work Against Human Trafficking (led by UNEB and supported by The OU):
   All youth, supported by interdisciplinary wellness centers and mobile technology, have the right to strengthen their awareness and advocacy through education that combats human trafficking as well professional support to overcome trauma with  transversal skills development. This initiative supported by local government and human rights organisations has been implemented in the northeast of Brazil.

As a member of the UNESCO Global Education Coalition and in partnership with the Brazilian government, Dr. Okada has been invited to attend the United Nations SDG summits in the United States. She has participated in multiple events with global leaders at UNESCO in Europe, contributing to discussions on Digital Education, Foundational Literacies, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Sustainable Innovation. Additionally, she is actively involved in the G20 and COP30, led by Brazil.

Dr Okada highlited “The GEM 2024 is a significant event for The Open University and our partners, which is at the forefront of open schooling worldwide.  We are honored to present our initiative alongside leaders from United Nations member countries. This is a unique opportunity to engage with ministers of education, local leaders and policy makers.”

GEM 2024 offered an excellent opportunity for knowledge exchange and for advancing CONNECT 2030, funded by The Open University’s Open Societal Challenges program. CONNECT 2030 integrates a network developed by various European-funded projects—weSPOT, ENGAGE, and CONNECT underpinned by the CARE-KNOW-DO framework. Our goal is to support, examine, and expand best practices and its positive impact including achievements to influence public policies innovation, accelerating progress toward Agenda 2030.

Plenary sessions were recorded on the GEM webpage.