Higher Education Global Trends Report: Towards inclusive, equitable and quality higher education in an internationally mobile landscape

12 May 2026 | UNESCO

Today, more than ever, higher education is at an inflection point. Technological disruption, demographic transitions, geopolitical realignments and the enduring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have fundamentally reshaped the landscape of tertiary education. By identifying systemic trends and challenges, the report aims to enhance awareness and understanding of higher education landscapes worldwide; inform policymaking; foster dialogue among stakeholders; and contribute to building more inclusive, resilient and forward-looking higher education systems.

AIOU introduces specialized elderly care program

15 May 2026 | Lead Pakistan

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has announced the launch of a specialised certificate program in Elderly Care from the Spring 2027 semester in response to the growing social need for trained caregivers and elderly support professionals. The initiative was highlighted during the inaugural session of a three-day training workshop organized for the development of the course curriculum. The ceremony was chaired by Dean Faculty of Sciences, Prof Dr Sher Muhammad.

UK International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls 2026

20 May 2026 | GOV.UK

The scale of the UK’s ambition reflects the challenges facing women and girls globally. Conflict, climate change and economic disruption are reversing progress, while attempts to roll back women’s rights are gaining momentum. Hard-won gains are under pressure, and the risks to women and girls are increasing. This framework sets out how the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will deliver its standalone Women and Girls priority by placing women and girls at the centre of its international work. 

Special education reforms ‘long overdue,’ minister says

21 May 2026 | Cyprus Mail

Reforms to special education are “long overdue,” with legislation set to be amended for the first time in 27 years, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said on Thursday. Michaelidou presented a comprehensive package of policies, actions and plans aimed at transitioning towards a modern and inclusive education system centred on the best interests of children during an event at the presidential palace attended by European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education executive director Joao Costa.

CXC partners with regional employers to boost acceptance of vocational qualifications

16 May 2026 | Jamaica Information Services

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is working with regional employers to strengthen the acceptance and marketability of competency-based qualifications such as the Caribbean Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) and the new Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC). This initiative aims to better align education with industry needs and boost employment opportunities for graduates.

OECS 13th Council of Ministers to meet in Dominica for regional climate and resilience talks

20 May 2026 | Dominica News Online

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission will host the 13th Council of Ministers: Environmental Sustainability Meeting (COM:ES 13) in Dominica from May 27–28, 2026, under the theme, “The OECS Collective Resolve: Innovative Pathways in a High-Risk Global Landscape.” The high-level meeting is expected to bring together Ministers responsible for environmental sustainability from across OECS Member States and Associate Members, along with regional and international development partners, technical agencies, researchers, and environmental professionals, as per an OECS press release.

FG recommits to skills training for Nigerian youth at London Education Forum

20 May 2026 | This Day, Nigeria

The federal government has reiterated its plan to equip young Nigerians with employable skills through expanded non-formal education and vocational training programmes. Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, made the pledge at the Education World Forum in London during a special plenary session moderated by Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh. Alausa said the Tinubu administration views non-formal education as a key tool for youth empowerment and job creation, especially for out-of-school children and vulnerable groups.

East Africa pools resources to launch regional AI alliance

13 May 2026 | University World News

The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), in collaboration with the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) and international partners, has formally launched the East African Community Artificial Intelligence Alliance (EAC AI Alliance). Also launched alongside the alliance was its inaugural flagship initiative, the regional Network on Artificial Intelligence in Education and Research (NAI-E&R), in what organisers described as a new chapter in the region’s digital future.

Education reforms to focus on skills and competence, says Ogamba

16 May 2026 | Kenya News Agency

Kenya is implementing far-reaching reforms across the education sector aimed at strengthening competence, productivity and relevance, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, has said. In a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr Esther Muoria, during the first graduation ceremony at Ugenya Technical and Vocational College, Ogamba said the shift towards Competency-Based Education and Competency-Based Training is intended to ensure learners acquire practical skills applicable in society and the economy.

Kiribati launches US$2.5 million ICT driven education reform with the Global Partnership for Education and UNESCO

19 May 2026 | UNESCO

This initiative responds to long-standing education challenges linked to the country’s geographic dispersion, limited infrastructure, and uneven access to quality teaching and learning resources across its islands. Through the strategic use of ICT, the project aims to strengthen teaching quality, improve education system management, and ensure that all learners, including those in the most remote communities, can access relevant and inclusive education opportunities. 

Preparing graduates for employability: How Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University is redesigning learning for work

22 May 2026 | Commonwealth of Learning

As the gap between education and employment widens, universities are rethinking how learning translates into real-world opportunity. Against this backdrop, a new phase in strengthening graduate employability is underway at Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) in Nashik, India, through its collaboration with COL’s Higher Education Initiative and the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA).  

Teacher-in-the-loop AI places educators at the centre of how artificial intelligence is designed, applied and validated in education

20 May 2026 | Commonwealth of Learning

COL’s Teacher-in-the-Loop-AI (TiL-AI) project has reached an important national milestone in India, with 180 secondary mathematics teachers recently demonstrating improved use of Generative AI to create curriculum-aligned learning materials. This is not superficial engagement but transformative. Teachers are applying AI tools in ways that directly support their national curriculum, strengthening both content relevance and instructional quality.

When access isn’t enough: Why learner support matters in ODL

19 May 2026 | Commonwealth of Learning

For many learners excluded from traditional education, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) offers a second chance. Whether it is a young mother with childcare responsibilities hoping to complete her high school education or a 40-year-old farmer seeking to upskill, ODL opens pathways to lifelong learning that were previously out of reach. But what does success in ODL for learners realistically look like?