Workshop 5 : Predicting Emerging Professions: Building Digital and Artificial Intelligence Competencies for Higher Education Professionals
Presents UNESCO-ICHEI’s International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) ecosystem and micro-credentialing pathways that upskill higher-education professionals in digital and AI competencies. Participants will review policy frameworks, capacity-building models, and cross-regional collaboration mechanisms that drive the digital transformation of universities in Asia, Africa, and the Arab region; includes scenario activities to forecast new roles.
Target Audience:
University administrators, IT/digital learning directors, academic innovation managers.
Date: 03/12/2025
Timing: 14:00-16:00
Number of Seats: 40
Dr.Noureddine Ben Khalaf
Workshop Coordinator
Arabian Gulf University
Ms.Xin YUAN
Workshop Presenter
UNESCO-ICHEI
Dr. Noureddine Ben Khalaf
Affiliation: Arabian Gulf University
Position: Associate Professor
Country: Bahrain
Dr. Noureddine Ben Khalaf is an Associate Professor in the Department of
Molecular Medicine at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arabian Gulf University,
and Associate Dean of Research at the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Research. With over
twenty years of experience in molecular biology, biotechnology, and translational medicine, he has developed extensive expertise in studying the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation, thrombosis, and cancer. His research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence and molecular modeling in drug discovery. Dr. Ben Khalaf previously served as Vice-Dean of Research and Innovation at the College of Graduate Studies, leading initiatives to enhance research capacity and academic quality. He has authored numerous publications in international peer-reviewed journals, supervised several postgraduate theses, and contributed to organizing major scientific conferences.
Ms. Xin YUAN
Affiliation: UNESCO-ICHEI
Position: Programme Officer
Country: China
Ms. Xin YUAN is a Programme Officer at the Global Partnership and Programme Office of UNESCO-ICHEI.
Her professional experience spans international organizations and the non-profit sector, with a focus on global education partnerships,
digital transformation in higher education, and international development. At UNESCO-ICHEI, she supports cross-regional initiatives
focused on capacity building, institutional innovation, and policy engagement. She holds an M.S.Ed. in International Educational Development
from the University of Pennsylvania and dual bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and French from the University of Southern California.
