Human-Centered AI and Harmonious Symbiosis: Highlights from the 8th Global Competition on Future Education Design at BNU
The Global Finals of the Higher Education Track of the 8th Global Competition on Design for Future Education took place from July 26 to 28, 2025, at Beijing Normal University’s Changping Campus. This year’s event was organized in partnership with the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE) and centered on themes such as “Human-oriented AI” and “Harmonious Coexistence.” The competition aimed to gather innovative ideas from university students globally, focusing on technology-enabled education and solutions for future educational challenges.
Future-Oriented Topics for Exploration
During the event, Professor Asha Singh Kanwar, Chair of the Governing Board of UNESCO IITE, presented five future-oriented topics for exploration. These topics included: Growth Curriculum System Design for Primary Schools Towards 2050, Interspecies Learning in Nature, Human-oriented AI Design, Learning Design for Mental and Physical Health, and Sustainable Intergenerational Cooperation Design. Participants were encouraged to investigate the interplay between humanity, technology, and nature in envisioning a future characterized by harmonious coexistence.
Competition Format and Participation
The competition adopted a hybrid format, allowing for both online and onsite participation. Each team selected one of five challenge topics and was required to complete the entire design process within a 48-hour timeframe. This involved identifying core problems, developing initial solutions, and finalizing designs over the three days. Eighteen teams progressed to the report session after two rounds of presentations, based on evaluations from expert mentors and votes from peers.
Enhanced Support System for Participants
This year introduced a dual-mentor system, consisting of 14 expert mentors from diverse fields, including educational technology and artificial intelligence. These mentors provided guidance throughout the competition, alongside AI mentors such as the AI Inspiration Mentor and AI Design Mentor, enhancing the overall support system for participants.
Additional Activities and Cultural Exchanges
In addition to the main competition, several activities were held, including AI Debate sessions that examined the impact of AI on creativity and academic writing. Participants also engaged in cultural exchanges through poster sessions and showcased their talents in various performances.
Award Ceremony and Recognition
The event concluded with a Closing and Award Ceremony, where Mr. Tao Zhan, Co-Chair of the Competition Organizing Committee, recognized the efforts of the participants and organizing committee. A total of 117 participants from 27 teams, representing over 30 universities across ten countries, competed in the finals. Professor Guangju Chen, one of the committee chairs, noted the remarkable creativity and collaboration exhibited by the contestants.
Accolades and Conclusion
Recognition was awarded to several exceptional teams, including a Gold Award, two Silver Awards, and three Bronze Awards. Additional accolades were presented for creativity, design, and technological innovation, reflecting the competition’s commitment to promoting educational innovation.
The conclusion of the Global Finals of the Higher Education Track signifies an important milestone in the pursuit of educational excellence and innovation, fostering cooperation among students worldwide.
(Source: Beijing Normal University)
