Michael LAZZARA

Abstract: As artificial intelligence reshapes higher education, employment, and international collaboration across the Asia-Pacific, universities must prepare students not only to use AI but to contribute the human capabilities it cannot replace. This session explores how global learning can develop intercultural competence, ethical judgement, creativity, adaptability, and collaboration, skills increasingly valued by employers and society. Rather than focusing on AI tools, the session centres on the concept of the “human-in-the-loop”, ensuring graduates can provide the judgement, empathy, and ethical leadership needed in an AI-enabled world. Drawing on examples from mobility, virtual exchange, experiential learning, and international partnerships, speakers will explore how institutions can intentionally cultivate these capabilities. The session brings together perspectives from the University of California, Davis and the National University of Singapore, alongside a broader global perspective from the U21 global university network and Common Purpose (a global, not-for-profit leadership development organisation). Together, they will reflect on the critical skills, judgement, and leadership capabilities students need to thrive in an AI-enabled world and how these can be enabled by emphasising cross-cultural communication and solving global challenges through global learning programmes. Participants will gain practical approaches for aligning international education with responsible AI engagement and future readiness. Learning objectives: Participants will: - Identify the human capabilities that become more important as AI reshapes knowledge, work, and global collaboration. - Explore how global learning can cultivate intercultural judgment, ethical reasoning, creativity, adaptability, and relationship-building. - Examine how student expectations around careers, AI, and experiential learning are changing across different institutional and regional contexts. - Consider what “human-in-the-loop” means for international education and student learning. - Share practical approaches for aligning global learning with future readiness, career development, and responsible AI engagement. - Reflect on the role of global university networks such as U21 in advancing human-centered, ethical, and inclusive approaches to AI-era education. Target audience: Those leading Global Learning or Intercultural Competence initiatives either on their campus or through overseas activties. Those interested in global challenges, the SDGs and their intersection with an AI enabled world.

Abstract: This session will explore the vital role of international networks in fostering collaboration and building strategic partnerships that create meaningful impact across sectors and borders. Drawing on perspectives from the United States, Finland, and Ireland, representatives from three Universitas 21 member institutions will demonstrate how trusted relationships, shared expertise, and diverse viewpoints can help address complex challenges and advance common goals. Through a series of case studies, speakers will highlight practical approaches to successful international collaboration, including clear communication, aligned objectives, mutual benefit, and sustained engagement. The discussion will showcase how strategic partnerships can accelerate innovation, strengthen knowledge exchange, expand access to resources and opportunities, and enhance institutional capacity and global reach. A central theme of the session will be that international networks provide far more than opportunities for connection. They serve as platforms for long-term collaboration, enabling institutions to respond collectively to emerging challenges, leverage complementary strengths, and achieve outcomes that would be difficult to realise through individual efforts alone. Learning objectives: The key learning outcomes for the APAIE audience at the end of the session are: Recognise how participation in international networks fosters collaboration and supports the development of strategic partnerships across institutions and sectors. Understand how institutions can build a compelling business case for joining an international network such as Universitas 21 (U21), demonstrate return on investment and broader benefits, and engage senior leadership in supporting membership. Evaluate partnership models and collaborative practices from the United States, Finland, and Ireland, and assess their relevance to their own institutional contexts. Apply insights from case studies at University College Dublin, UC Davis, and the University of Helsinki to strengthen existing partnerships and identify new opportunities for international engagement, collaboration, and mobility for faculty and staff. Target audience: This session is suitable for staff involved in global partnerships, international mobility, transnational education, and student recruitment.