Highlights from “Artificial Intelligence Unscripted – The Quest for Mastering Its Strengths and Addressing Its Weaknesses in the Higher Education Setting”

On 3 February 2026, participants of the 6th ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab6) Conference in Shanghai gathered virtually at the SDG Conference 2026: Education Unscripted. The event was hosted by the Oslo Metropolitan University and brought together diverse international stakeholders to discuss university sector’s engagement with the sustainable development goals.

The session of ASEFInnoLab6 alumni titled "Artificial Intelligence Unscripted – The Quest for Mastering Its Strengths and Addressing Its Weaknesses in the Higher Education Setting" built on reflections from the Shanghai Manifesto and featured the following speakers:

Speaker Roster

Panel Highlights and Insights

The speakers shared diverse perspectives on AI, emphasising factual analysis and institutional responsibility, presenting evidence-based insights and strategic frameworks to guide universities through the ongoing digital and ethical transformation.

Zane Šime highlighted the European Climate Pact ambassadorship and emphasised AI’s effect on the climate, specifically regarding demanding data centers. Also, she outlined the suggestions for the way forward in sustaining Asia-Europe ties, stressing the importance of interregionalism and seeking mutual interest, while mentioning ASEM Day on 1^st March.

Elizabeth Kasa-Mälksoo stressed the uncertainty about AI implementation and questioned the future of exams, specifically regarding the validation of learning and how transparency is achieved in the governance of assessment decisions. She listed three AI governance lessons: it must happen in universities, ethics are not enough, and there is a need for rethinking institutional agility. 

Sara Ciabattoni questioned whether AI will advance or undermine the SDGs and examined the responsibility higher education carries. Her discussion points included the AI Divide, AI Literacy, and Learning Models. 

Anja Gengo argued that AI adoption shouldn’t be about the race and speed. She described the IGF’s role in providing recapitulation, news, and updates, and highlighted the new resolution A/80/L.41, which establishes the UN IGF as a permanent forum of the United Nations from now on.

These critical insights are expected to serve as a foundation for continued collaborative discussions among all participants.

For further information on the parallel sessions and session resources, please visit the official SDG Conference 2026 website.