Who Controls Learning in the Age of AI? Global Leaders in Education, Business and Policy Gather at OEB 2026 in Berlin

2026-10-27

International experts to examine whether artificial intelligence is strengthening human learning or creating new dependencies, and the implications for education, work and society.

As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes how we learn, work and make decisions, fundamental questions are emerging about who controls knowledge, how human capabilities develop and whether growing reliance on intelligent systems is strengthening or undermining human independence.

These questions will be at the heart of OEB 2026, the international conference and exhibition on digital learning and training, taking place in Berlin from 2 to 4 December. Under the theme "Sovereign Learning: Trust, Agency & the Education Reset," OEB will bring together more than 2,000 participants from over 70 countries to debate the implications of AI and the wider transformation of education and work.

"The question is no longer simply what artificial intelligence can do for us, but what increasing reliance on it may do to us," said Rebecca Stromeyer, Conference Chair of OEB. "We need to ensure that technological progress strengthens our ability to think critically, exercise judgement and act independently, rather than creating new forms of dependency. Ultimately, this concerns the kind of society we want to live in."

Three Perspectives on Sovereign Learning

The opening plenary will bring together three international speakers examining the relationship between technology, power and human autonomy.

Kenneth Cukier, Deputy Executive Editor of The Economist, will examine how data and AI are reshaping privacy, power and control over human decisions.

Philosopher Lani Watson will explore the importance of curiosity, questioning and independent thinking as AI increasingly influences how we acquire knowledge.

Hon. Michael Onyango, founder of 4BM Africa and former Vice Chairman of Kenya’s National AI and Distributed Ledgers 
Task Force, will challenge the assumption that adopting AI necessarily constitutes progress, examining how technological
dependency can reinforce economic inequalities and undermine sovereignty across Europe and the Global Majority.

In "After the Reset: Who Are We Becoming?", Helen Beetham, Gregory W. Fowler and Annasofie Wædeled-Møller will confront a fundamental question: as technology transforms education and society, what kind of learners, educators and institutions are we becoming, and what should we preserve, challenge or fundamentally rethink?

The plenary "Individual Agency, Collective Power: Rethinking the Role of Workplace Learning" will bring together Serena Gonsalves-Fersch, Global Talent and Learning Leader and Advisory Board Member of the Shape the Future Consortium, Patrik Hedljung, AI Catalyst at Scania, and Laureen Rwatirera Chivere, VP Talent Management and Chief Learning Officer at Prosus, to examine how organisations can develop human capabilities, strengthen individual agency and rethink workplace learning as AI transforms jobs, skills and professional expertise.

Should AI Become the Teacher of the Future?

The OEB Annual Debate will debate the provocative motion "This House Believes That AI Should Be the Teacher of the Future, Supported by Human Coaches."

Featuring Donald Clark, Mairéad Pratschke and Aruj Khaliq, the debate will question whether AI should assume primary responsibility for teaching and what this would mean for educators and learners.

The Wider Transformation of Education and Work

Now in its 32nd year, OEB brings together leading experts, education leaders, researchers, policymakers, technology specialists and business leaders across higher education, schools, vocational training, workplace learning and lifelong learning.

With more than 120 sessions, the programme addresses teaching innovation, learning design, assessment, credentials, inclusion, accessibility, skills development, educational research, institutional transformation and emerging technologies.

OEB combines strategic debate with practical exchange through interactive sessions, masterclasses and workshops. The hands-on Pre-Conference Workshops on 2 December offer participants opportunities to acquire practical skills and deeper knowledge of specific challenges and emerging developments.

The accompanying OEB Exhibition will showcase technologies and solutions from international education and training providers.

Full programme and registration: https://oeb.global

Notes for editors