The "AI Empowerment for Central Asian Education Leadership and Digital Education Industry Integration" training program opens at Northwest Normal University on Sept 13. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The first "AI Empowerment for Central Asian Education Leadership and Digital Education Industry Integration" training program began on Sept 13 at Northwest Normal University (NWNU) in Lanzhou, Gansu province, attracting 27 participants from educational authorities and universities in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Gansu has been integrating AI with education, exploring pathways for digital education development tailored to its needs. This program marks a significant step in strengthening educational exchanges between China and Central Asian countries, fostering collaboration in digital education.

Jia Peng, deputy director of the Ministry of Education's Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, highlighted the transformative role of AI and digital technologies in global education. Jia Ning, Party secretary of NWNU, said the university will share China's digital education experiences and learn from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan's expertise in educational governance and talent cultivation.

The nine-day program includes topics like AI in education reform, China's digital education strategy, and smart campus planning. Participants will visit educational institutions and discuss Central Asia's digital education development and China-Central Asia cooperation.

Situated along the Silk Road, NWNU has strong ties with Central Asian countries. It has recruited over 600 Central Asian students and hosted nine forums on China-Central Asia cultural exchange and cooperation.