SEILS#11 | Conversation with Professor Fernando Reimers from Harvard University
We were honoured to co-host Professor Fernando Reimers, Ford Foundation Professor of Practice in International Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Director of the Global Education Innovation Initiative at Harvard University, for the eleventh edition of the Sunway Education Inclusive Leadership Series (SEILS).
Moderated by Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education and Director, ASLI Board of Directors, the conversation explored the timely and thought-provoking theme “How to Make Universities More Relevant: The Climate Change–AI Nexus.”
Professor Reimers examined how universities must evolve in response to two defining forces of our time: artificial intelligence and climate change distinguishing between innovation and transformation.
Reflecting on the growing role of AI in learning environments, he cautioned that unequal access to technology risks widening existing educational disparities, highlighting the immense potential of AI to strengthen governance systems.
On climate education, Professor Reimers stressed that universities must move beyond simply teaching scientific facts. He argued that education systems often leave students overwhelmed rather than empowered, and that project-based learning is essential in cultivating a sense of efficacy and responsibility in addressing climate challenges.
Professor Reimers concluded with a powerful reminder that universities must not only prepare students for the future of work, but also equip them to contribute meaningfully to society and to the shared global challenges facing humanity.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and deeply insightful conversation. We look forward to welcoming you to the next edition of SEILS.
Watch the full session here: https://bit.ly/SEILS_190526
Empowering Leaders, Advancing Societies.
