WAHED26

A FREE online conference.

WAHED announcment graphic webpage

World Access to Higher Education Day 2026: AI, Advocacy and Action

Join hundreds of educators, policymakers, researchers, students and advocates from across the world for World Access to Higher Education Day (WAHED) 2026. As higher education systems face growing inequality and unprecedented technological change, WAHED26 will bring together global leaders and practitioners to explore how artificial intelligence can be harnessed as a tool for opportunity, inclusion and student success. Drawing participants from every region of the world, this free international event provides a unique platform to share ideas, showcase innovation and drive collective action towards more equitable higher education systems.

Register your FREE place here.

About

Hosted by the World Access to Higher Education Day initiative and convened by the World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN), the conference will unite voices from government, international organisations, universities, student groups and civil society to address one of the most pressing challenges facing higher education today: ensuring opportunity is expanded rather than restricted in an era of rapid change.

Across a full programme of international discussions, keynote addresses and panel sessions, participants will engage with leading experts from across Europe, North America, Latin America and beyond, while contributing to a wider global conversation about the future of equitable access and success in higher education.

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Hear from world-leading voices

The programme will feature senior leaders and experts from organisations including the OECD, European Commission, universities, international networks and major higher education organisations. Participants will gain insights into emerging global trends, innovative policy approaches and practical strategies for creating more inclusive systems.

Speakers will include:

  • Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills, OECD
  • Mia Wallin-Hansen, Policy Officer, EU Commission
  • Juanita Bodmer, Head of Strategy, ATENEA
  • Kimberly Jones, President, Council of Opportunity in Education
  • Henriette Reierson Johnstone, Leader Executive Committee, SAIH

And more to be announced.

Rear view of Audience in the conference hall or seminar meeting

Explore the opportunities and challenges of AI

At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming education, WAHED26 will examine how AI can help widen participation and improve student outcomes, while addressing concerns about digital inequality and access. The event will also launch major international research drawing on experiences from more than 50 countries.
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