On June 6, 2026, the World Summit on the Future of Higher Education convened at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. The Republic of Mali was represented by Dr. Mamadou Koumaré, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako and coordinator of the partnership between the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI) and Malian higher education institutions.

The summit brought together experts, public officials, international organizations, academic institutions, and high-tech industry leaders to explore how higher education can evolve alongside technological advancements.

Discussions centered on reimagining the relationship between academia and industry, particularly in technology-driven fields, to cultivate a new ecosystem for skill development and talent cultivation.

Key outcomes included actionable strategies such as AI-focused training programs tailored for sectors like agriculture, commerce, education, and natural sciences. The event also highlighted best practices from the technology sector and strengthened the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) network through a comprehensive report and partnership ecosystem.

Collaboration between tech innovators and academia took center stage, emphasizing joint talent development models powered by artificial intelligence. Stakeholders explored curriculum innovation, practical skill-building, and lifelong learning frameworks to address evolving workforce demands.

Mali’s commitment to this transformation was underscored by three of its institutions—the Kurukanfuga University of Bamako, the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako, and the University Pedagogy Institute—signing partnership agreements with UNESCO-ICHEI. Dr. Koumaré leads the IIOE hub, which unites these three Malian universities.

UNESCO reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Mali’s higher education sector by bolstering human, technical, and technological capacities.