UNU Macau AI Conference 2026 Spotlights Global South Education and Governance

The United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) will convene the UNU Macau AI Conference 2026 on 25 and 26 November 2026 at MGM MACAU in Macau SAR, China. Organised in partnership with MGM and supported by the local Education and Youth Development Bureau alongside the Asia-Europe Foundation, the summit focuses on the theme of artificial intelligence and education.

Programme and Core Tracks

The gathering is structured around three key pillars: high-level plenary sessions, a global youth innovation competition, and practical workshops. On 25 November, the main conference programme will feature 16 thematic sessions alongside the UNU Rector's Lecture Series IV, examining how machine learning tools influence classroom instruction, institutional governance, and workforce preparedness. The following day includes 16 hands-on workshops and the live finale of the AI for SDGs Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition, where nine international finalist teams will present projects addressing pressing societal challenges.

Relevance for Developing Economies

The event places special emphasis on closing digital divides across low-resource settings. According to UNU Macau, nearly three-quarters of the 340 session proposals submitted for the event originated from the Global South. Furthermore, 89 per cent of the 306 youth competition entries featured Global South representation. Dedicated sessions will explore how developing regions can transition from passive consumers of foreign AI technologies into active creators who design and govern their own educational tools.

The forum is open to policymakers, education leaders, researchers, civil society representatives, and students. Registration is available via the official United Nations University portal, which offers tiered access passes including specialised rates for students and delegates from international bodies.