Empowering Higher Education: Integrating AI, Innovation and Global Research Ecosystems

15 November 2026 | Mandarina, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The International Youth Council (IYC), in collaboration with Educators Without Borders International (EWBI) and the University of Birmingham, will organise a one-day international capacity-building programme titled “Empowering Higher Education: Integrating AI, Innovation and Global Research Ecosystems” on 15 November 2026 at Mandarina Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The programme aims to strengthen the professional, technological and research capabilities of Sri Lankan university academics by exploring artificial intelligence-enabled teaching, AI literacy, high-impact academic research and publication, and the frameworks shaping the country’s higher education sector.

Bringing together international experts, academic professionals and education practitioners, the initiative seeks to connect global expertise with local academic priorities while encouraging innovation, collaboration and the advancement of higher education in Sri Lanka.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, 15 November 2026

Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Venue: Mandarina Colombo, Sri Lanka

Programme Overview

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of University Teaching

Resource Person: Professor Fauzan – Educational AI Specialist, Malaysia

This keynote session will explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in higher education, focusing on AI tools, personalised learning frameworks, adaptive assessment and ethical parameters in modern university teaching. The session will examine how emerging technologies can support teaching and learning while addressing the considerations involved in their responsible integration into academic environments.

One Educator’s Journey to 15,000 AI-Empowered Teachers

Resource Persons:

• Ms. Sameeha Shiraz Ahmed – AI Literacy & Learning Architecture Lead, Curve Up (PVT) Ltd

• Ms. Thisuni Nesathnie – Curve Up (PVT) Ltd

• Mr. Jaard Ahmed – Curve Up (PVT) Ltd

This session will highlight an educator-focused journey towards empowering 15,000 teachers through artificial intelligence. It will bring perspectives from Curve Up (PVT) Ltd on AI literacy, learning architecture and the role of AI-enabled approaches in supporting educators and transforming educational practices.

High-Impact Academic Research and Global Publication

Resource Person: Professor Abbas Panakkal – Educators Without Borders International (EWBI)

This technical workshop will focus on strengthening academic research and publication capabilities. Key areas will include Scopus and Web of Science indexing, peer-review cycles, identifying predatory journals and strategies for maximising research visibility and international academic recognition.

The session aims to equip participants with practical knowledge to navigate the global academic publishing landscape and enhance the quality and reach of their research contributions.

Sri Lanka’s Higher Education Frameworks

Resource Person: Professor Roshan Ragel – Professor in Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

This session will provide a Sri Lankan perspective on the frameworks and policies shaping the country’s higher education sector. It will examine University Grants Commission (UGC) quality assurance and accreditation, outcome-based education, academic research and promotion criteria, and the internationalisation of Sri Lankan universities.

The discussion will provide participants with insights into the national higher education landscape and the opportunities and considerations involved in strengthening academic standards and institutional development.

About the Organisers

Educators Without Borders International (EWBI)

Established in 2019 and registered in Geneva, Switzerland, Educators Without Borders International is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing educational equity, particularly for communities that need it most.

EWBI works to build capacity across all roles in education, supporting teachers, administrators, support staff and curriculum developers through professional development, training programmes, workshops, seminars and educational initiatives adapted to different communities and contexts.

University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham is a globally recognised higher education institution in the United Kingdom, contributing to international academic collaboration, research and knowledge exchange. Its involvement in this initiative reflects the importance of connecting international academic expertise with the evolving needs of higher education in Sri Lanka.

Advancing Academic Excellence and Global Collaboration

Through this international capacity-building initiative, IYC and its collaborating organisations seek to strengthen the connection between global academic expertise and Sri Lanka’s higher education community.

By bringing together specialists in artificial intelligence, AI literacy, academic research and higher education policy, the programme will provide a platform for professional learning, knowledge exchange and meaningful engagement among university academics and education professionals.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to promoting innovation, strengthening research capacity, encouraging international academic collaboration and supporting the continued development of higher education in Sri Lanka.

By equipping academic professionals with relevant knowledge and perspectives, the programme aims to contribute to a more innovative, research-driven and globally connected higher education environment.

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