Hangzhou, a city renowned for its technological innovation, is preparing to welcome the global community for the 2026 World Digital Education Conference. The Chinese Ministry of Education recently held a press conference in Beijing to outline the preparations for this landmark event, which aims to bridge the digital divide and foster international cooperation in modern learning.
A central pillar of the event is the World Digital Education Alliance. Yang Jun, secretary-general of the China Education Association for International Exchange and co-secretary-general of the alliance, revealed that nearly 40 institutions have already applied for membership ahead of the conference. By selecting high-quality applicants, the alliance seeks to expand its global network and professional support capacity, ensuring a diverse and expert representation of the educational landscape.
Adding a vibrant energy to the proceedings, the alliance will host its first Global Youth Artificial Intelligence Study Camp from May 10 to 14. This upcoming initiative will bring together 27 teams from 23 countries, including Cambodia, Egypt, Russia, and Thailand. The camp will see 48 international students collaborating with 33 students from the Chinese mainland to explore the frontiers of AI.
Participants in the camp will engage in an immersive curriculum featuring lectures and hands-on projects. From 3D modeling and printing to large-model-assisted programming and drone flight control, the program is designed to equip the next generation with critical digital skills and an innovative mindset through practical experience.
Parallel to the youth activities, the alliance will convene its 2026 General Assembly on May 11. This gathering, along with the second meeting of the first council and the third plenary session of the Standardization Committee, will bring together member countries both online and offline. Key discussions will center on annual work reviews, membership optimization, and the strategic planning of flagship activities to solidify the alliance's role as a premier platform for global digital education cooperation.
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2026 World Digital Education Conference to be held in Hangzhou
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