The University of Coimbra (UC) affirmed its role in the dialogue between Europe and China on the future of education, artificial intelligence and sustainability through its participation in four major international events held in China. As a co-founding institution of the Digital Education for Impact Alliance (DEFIA), the University played an active role in defining priorities and promoting international co-operation around digital education with purpose.

The participation included the Digital with Purpose (DWP) Global Summit Shenzhen 2026, promoted by the Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI). The Vice-Rector for Planning, Sustainability and Quality, Patrícia Pereira da Silva, took part in the panel “AI-enabled Transformation with a Human-centric Approach” and spoke at the DEFIA Forum, where she presented the University of Coimbra’s vision for digital education and responsible artificial intelligence.

UC also led an international workshop on the development of DEFIA national networks. The session, facilitated by Sónia Rodrigues, Co-ordinator of the Office for Sustainable Development, presented the experience of the DEFIA Portugal Network and contributed to the launch of reflections on the future Chinese network of the Alliance.

(Source: University of Coimbra, 30 June)