BU Hosts First International “AI in Higher Education Forum”
On Friday, 28 November, the British University in Georgia hosted the first international AI in Higher Education – Shaping the Future: Artificial Intelligence, Innovation & Digitization in Higher Education Forum. The event brought together leading policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and education sector stakeholders for a full day of discussion on how AI is reshaping global higher education systems.
The Forum was opened by senior officials, including the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia and the Deputy Ambassador of Britain to Georgia, who highlighted the strategic importance of AI-driven transformation for national development and international cooperation. Their remarks underscored the need for responsible innovation and strong institutional partnerships.
One of the academic highlights of the event was a presentation delivered by a researcher from the University of Oxford, Professor Reza Kalantarinejad, who discussed emerging trends in AI governance, digital learning design, and institutional readiness for the AI era. Their contribution provided a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing universities worldwide.
Among guests, we had experts from the National Bank of Georgia, Parliament, industry, and leading Georgian and international universities. During panel discussions, speakers addressed key topics such as digital pedagogy, cybersecurity in education, academic integrity in the age of AI, and the ethical implications of new technologies.
As part of its commitment to AI transformation, the British University showcased several internally developed AI-powered tools and solutions, demonstrating how intelligent systems are already being integrated into admissions, academic support, digital governance, and student engagement.
In addition, the University introduced the initiative - Responsible AI Citizenship Handbook, a practical guide aimed at helping students, educators, and institutions use AI safely, ethically, and effectively within teaching and learning environments.
The Forum brought together representatives from Parliament, government ministries, universities, schools, and private sector organizations, fostering a rare multi-sector dialogue on the future of education. The British University plans to continue this initiative annually and expand international collaboration in AI research, policy development, and digital innovation.