Reflecting on the Groningen Declaration Network Annual Meeting 2023
In today’s fast-paced world, continuous learning has become more important than ever before. Not only are technological advancements happening at an accelerated pace, but they’re also anticipated to reshape millions of jobs over the next decade, according to the European Commission. Because of this, individuals need to keep themselves updated with the latest skills and knowledge to stay competitive in the job market.
But, how can educational institutions and university registrars motivate students to pursue continuous learning when learners don’t see the immediate value in doing so? Read on to find out how organisations across the educational realm are using digital credentials to support and motivate students along their lifelong learning journeys.
The most recent Groningen Declaration Network (GDN) Annual Meeting in Amman, Jordan, was not just another event in the calendar of global education. It was a significant step forward in our collective journey towards a more interconnected world of learning.
Held from October 16 to 19, 2023, this gathering marked a key moment in the enhancement of global data exchange to support both citizen and learner mobility.
A Gathering of Minds and Ideas
The GDN Annual Meeting has always been an important event for Parchment where we get to engage with experts, thought leaders, and innovators from over 100 organisations where we share our experiences, learn from one another and lead dialogues on advancing capabilities, policies, and technical platforms crucial for efficient data exchange. The 2023 meeting in Amman was no exception, with participants eager to contribute to shaping the future of global education and Learner mobility.
Parchment’s Kevin Martin recently spoke about the benefits of the event – You can watch the video here:
Embracing a New Era of Inclusivity
A notable difference in this year’s meeting was the conference’s hybrid format. Amidst the growing tensions in the region, this inclusive format allowed for a wider international audience to participate, both in-person and virtually. This approach not only expanded the event’s reach but also enriched the discussions with a multitude of perspectives from across the globe.
Parchment’s Simone Ravaioli said of the event ‘It was a memorable event. More intimate and extraordinary than usual, given the escalating situation in the region. In a way, the unfortunate humanitarian circumstances made one of the underlying themes of the event – “Refugees” – even more real.’
Digitary by Parchment: Leading Change
Digitary by Parchment, as a long-time patron and the premium sponsor of the event, played a crucial role in the success of the GDN Annual Meeting. Joanne Duklas, Executive Director of the Groningen Declaration Network, expressed her gratitude:
“Our thanks to our premium sponsor, Digitary by Parchment, for sponsoring the very successful GDN annual meeting in Jordan! Thank you to Simone Ravaioli, Kevin Martin, and James Murray-Beckman for their invaluable contributions in sharing sessions, remarks, and chairing panel discussions.”
Looking Ahead: Key Insights and Future Prospects
The meeting’s discussions spanned a wide range of topics, including the latest trends in digital credentialing, data security, and learner mobility. These conversations underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to continuous learning in addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities in global education data exchange.
As well as chairing discussions on subjects such as Empowering People through Semantic Credential Transparency, we also had the opportunity to present our ideas around the future of credentialing. Our session, as well as many others, are free to view for all GDN Signatories. If you want to endorse citizen focused, privacy compliant data exchange principles that support mobility, we highly recommend signing up here .
As we reflect on the GDN Annual Meeting 2023, it’s evident that the future of global education and data mobility is bright. The collective wisdom and collaboration within the GDN community are invaluable assets as we strive to create a more connected, efficient, and accessible global education ecosystem.
A Beacon of Hope and Collaboration
The GDN Annual Meeting 2023 was more than just a gathering; it symbolized hope and the incredible potential of global cooperation in education. We are inspired by the insights, inspirations, and connections fostered in Amman and are eager to continue our journey towards a better, more interconnected world of learning and data exchange.
If you would like to learn more about the great work the GDN do or if you’re looking to attend next year’s meeting, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@digitary.net
