Transforming Global Education: NCUK’s CEO at the United Nations Headquarters
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NCUK joined heads of state, ministers, business leaders, educations and philanthropists at the UN headquarters in New York City, United States for a landmark summit on AI, equity, and the future of global learning organised by the PVBLIC Foundation and 256 network.
A delegation led by Stuart Smith, Chief Executive Officer of NCUK, was honoured to participate in the Transforming Global Education Summit held at the United Nations Headquarters. NCUK was invited to participate in the summit by the 256 Network and Qatar Business Leader and Member of the Qatari Royal Family, Sheikh Mohammed A. Al Thani.
NCUK joined an international gathering of educators, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss the future of education, including multi-lateral collaboration, transnational education, education as infrastructure and the future of AI in education.
Our session at the summit brought together voices from across the global public good, business and education communities to address one of the most pressing questions in this session: how can artificial intelligence transform access to quality education for every learner, regardless of background, geography, or circumstance?
What our research found
Ahead of the summit, NCUK conducted research with educators across multiple nations. The findings were clear:
- 78% of respondents believe that AI and edtech risk widening inequality between students if left unmanaged, including the introduction of theme of ‘token-poverty’, the difference in affordability of free and premium AI tools for students.
- Only 18% feel current education prepares students adequately for an AI-driven future.
- The skills of the future graduate are overwhelmingly critical thinking (82%), but also AI literacy (43%) and creativity (35%), balancing both human skills and technological skills for the future workforce.
According to the research, based on the opinions of teaching staff and academic leadership at NCUK study centres, governments must lead on this issue as they are responsible for setting AI standards, funding digital infrastructure, and guaranteeing access to tools for learners. Private investors and EdTech companies have a vital supporting role to play, partnering with governments to secure access to premium AI tools. But the research was clear that commercial involvement must look at helping build the foundations for new ways of teaching and learning.
Key principles for a globally connected education system
Several themes emerged as essential pillars for reform:
Qualifications must be both locally grounded and internationally recognised, ensuring students are not disadvantaged by where they studied whether they are progressing to further education or entering the workplace.
Each nation has its own development goals, culture, and challenges. Global frameworks offer a valuable starting point for reducing repeated mistakes and creating a more equitable playing field.
Governments, private investors, and educators must together address the practical barriers raised by our research community.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The discussions aligned directly with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and its ambition to ensure inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities for all. By centring AI governance, international accreditation, and cross-border cooperation, the session explored how education systems can become the engine of the broader national infrastructure and multi-lateral agendas, supporting economic growth, reduced inequality, and stronger global institutions.
The unique role of pathway education
Organisations like NCUK occupy a uniquely powerful position in this landscape. By supporting students from Level 3 onwards, NCUK creates touchpoints before university entry, contributing not just at the higher education level but in shaping the skills that make students internationally mobile global citizens that are ready for the workplace.
Pathway organisations also partner with numerous universities across international borders, positioning them well to advise local providers, international attachés, and ministries on the range of models and standards operating across different markets, reducing duplication and informing multilateral policy processes.
As an organisation that has long believed in the power of international education to transform lives, this has given us fresh inspiration to work with policymakers and partners globally to move forward the global education agenda. NCUK’s contribution to international education was recently honoured with a King’s Award, the UK’s most prestigious business accolade, and a recognition that reflects the dedication of every partner who has been part of the NCUK journey.