Al-Quds Open University (QOU) participated in an online forum titled "Open Universities in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges" which was organized by the UNESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence in Education at Peking University, China. This event was held in collaboration with Athabasca University, Canada; the Open University of China; and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in Tunisia. It brought together policymakers and researchers from open universities worldwide to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on open and distance education. Key topics included strategies for sustainability, accreditation and evaluation policies, and the challenges open universities face amid rapid digital transformations.

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Hawamdeh, Director of QOU’s Yatta Branch represented Al-Quds Open University at the forum and delivered two presentations. In the first session, "Sustainability Models in Open Universities," Dr. Hawamdeh examined strategies for fostering sustainable practices in the digital era, showcasing QOU’s experience in integrating AI technologies into open education systems.

On the second day, Dr. Al-Hawamdeh participated in the session "Challenges Facing Open Universities," where he discussed major obstacles confronting academic institutions in the Arab world. He also offered key recommendations for enhancing AI integration in education, highlighting both technical and pedagogical challenges while stressing the need for supportive policies to facilitate the effective adoption of these technologies.

QOU’s participation in this forum reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening its position as a leading academic institution in digital transformation and open learning in the Arab world. The University seeks to leverage advancements in artificial intelligence to enhance the educational landscape in Palestine and the wider region.