VESIM Hosts AHEAD 2026 International Conference in Mumbai, Promotes Inclusive Digital Education

Vivekanand Education Society's Institute of Management Studies and Research (VESIM), Mumbai, organised AHEAD 2026, an international conference focused on making digital higher education more accessible, inclusive and equitable. The three-day hybrid event was conducted under AIDEdu, an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project co-funded by the European Union.

The conference brought together academicians, researchers, institutional representatives and international delegates from India, Europe and Nepal to discuss emerging developments in digital education and inclusive teaching practices.

The inaugural ceremony featured Prof. Dr. Badri Narayan Tiwari, Vice Chancellor of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, as Guest of Honour. Dr. Doris Kiendl, Institute Chair at FH JOANNEUM, Austria, and Dr. Bal Krishna Bal, Dean of Kathmandu University, Nepal, attended as Chief Guests.

AHEAD 2026 features research presentations on digital education

The international conference included 79 scheduled research paper presentation slots organised across 12 groups. The discussions covered several emerging areas in higher education, including artificial intelligence in education, digital learning, inclusive teaching methods and educational sustainability.Presentations were conducted through physical, virtual and pre-recorded video formats, allowing researchers from different locations to participate. The academic programme was supported by 24 reviewers and 20 session chairs.

An international panel discussion was also organised on the theme 'Accessible, Inclusive and Digital Education in Higher Education Institutions for Sustainable Development Goals'. Dr. Rupert Beinhauer from FH JOANNEUM, Austria, moderated the discussion.The panel explored how higher education institutions can use digital technologies and inclusive educational practices to improve learning opportunities and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

VESIM conducts faculty development workshop before AHEAD 2026

Ahead of the main conference, VESIM's Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Teaching and Learning organised a two-day online faculty development workshop.The workshop received 121 registrations from 17 institutions, including eight international universities and 10 Indian universities, according to the institute.The initiative aimed to strengthen teaching capabilities and encourage educators to adopt accessible and technology-supported learning approaches.

VESIM Director highlights importance of international academic collaboration

Dr. Vijay T. Raisinghani, Director of VESIM, highlighted the role of international academic platforms in encouraging research collaboration and knowledge sharing.He emphasised that as digital technologies increasingly influence teaching and learning, educational institutions must ensure that technological advancements benefit learners from different backgrounds.

He also noted that initiatives such as AIDEdu can help institutions develop more inclusive learning environments by combining academic expertise, practical approaches and international cooperation.Dr. Shalini Bariar, Professor and Head of International Relations at VESIM and project leader of AIDEdu, highlighted the importance of global partnerships in advancing accessible digital education.

She said the project focuses on using digital innovation to reduce educational inequalities and improve access to higher education. The initiative also supports the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals 4, 10 and 17, which focus on quality education, reduced inequalities and partnerships for sustainable development.

AIDEdu project promotes inclusive and technology-enabled higher education

The AIDEdu project aims to strengthen institutional capabilities and improve the quality of management education through accessible, inclusive and digitally supported teaching methods.The project focuses on developing teaching and learning centres of excellence, improving faculty capabilities and encouraging the adoption of innovative educational practices in higher education institutions across India and Nepal.

As part of AHEAD 2026, selected research contributions are being brought together in an edited publication titled Education for an Equitable Future: Best Practices in Digital and Inclusive Higher Education for SDGs.The proposed volume will contain 26 chapters featuring contributions from authors representing seven countries.

Through AHEAD 2026, VESIM sought to strengthen international academic partnerships and provide researchers with a platform to exchange ideas on the future of higher education. The conference also highlighted the growing importance of accessible digital learning in building a more equitable global education system.