Higher education institutions advance AI and digital innovation initiatives

Higher education institutions are advancing initiatives to integrate artificial intelligence and digital innovation into academic frameworks. In Portugal, the University of Coimbra is coordinating the launch of the DEFIA Portugal Network. This national network aims to promote the responsible and sustainable use of AI across higher education institutions, focusing on literacy for students and faculty, ethical implementation, and cooperation between academia, the public sector, and industry.

The DEFIA Portugal Network is part of the broader Digital Education for Impact Alliance (DEFIA), an international coalition involving partners from over 18 countries. The network's first major action will be the presentation of the Portuguese National Statement, outlining the commitment of universities to digital governance and human dignity.

In a separate development, Uniavan (Centro Universitário Avantis) represented the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Participating in the 8th International Delegation of the Brazilian Association of Higher Education Maintainers (ABMES), university leaders engaged in discussions regarding global trends in higher education, specifically focusing on AI, active methodologies, and international cooperation to align academic practices with societal needs.