The 2024 Annual Meeting — hosted by Enabel and DG INTPA with the collaboration of the FARI Institute — took place from October 2nd to October 4th in Brussels.
It gathered several member institutions to reconnect and focused on knowledge sharing, networking, and exploring trends in development and learning.
The central theme of this year’s meeting was Artificial Intelligence and its potential to transform the Learning & Development sector. Several sessions were dedicated to exploring how AI can support the work of development organisations.
Experts from a variety of fields offered insights into both the opportunities and challenges of adopting AI-driven technologies. From legal and ethical considerations to practical applications in learning design, our members gained a deep understanding of how AI is reshaping the landscape of international development.
Speakers from key organisations such as DG INTPA, ITCILO, SME Trade Academy, and FAO shared how AI is already being leveraged to improve decision-making, optimise resource allocation, and enhance capacity-building efforts.
The workshops further allowed our members to dive into AI’s practical implications. The AI Ideation Workshop helped participants brainstorm how they could leverage AI for learning and capacity development within their own organisations, while the AI Blindspots Workshop encouraged them to consider the unintended consequences and risks that could arise from AI adoption. These sessions facilitated equipping our members with the tools to approach AI thoughtfully and strategically in their own work.
The last part of the meeting focused on preparing for the future through strategic foresight. Our members participated in interactive workshops designed to anticipate future trends and challenges in development, helping them stay responsive in a rapidly changing world. These sessions encouraged organisations to think long-term and strategically about how they can adapt to future shifts, not just in technology but in the broader global context.
As AI continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of learning and development. Through our Learn4dev network, our members can share their knowledge, resources, and expertise to ensure that AI is used for good. This year’s meeting was a reminder that the strength of the network lies in our members’ willingness to share, collaborate, and innovate together.
We are excited to apply the knowledge gained from this event and to continue collaborating to improve learning and development outcomes globally.
