Eighth International U4U Online Seminar Unites Experts from 14 Countries
The HSE Online Campus hosted a two-day international U4U (Universities for Universities) seminar, which traditionally serves as a platform for exchanging expertise in online learning. This year, the event has reached a global scale, attracting international experts and representatives of universities from around the world. Together, they discussed key challenges and strategies for the development of online education. The online meeting was held in mid-November.
The seminar featured practical case studies and addressed the need for effective cooperation strategies amid geopolitical and technological shifts. Experts explored how technology is transforming modern education, covering the topics from the impact of AI on teaching and learning to the use of data for personalisation and building effective regionally-sensitive partnerships. The first day focused on building a sustainable infrastructure for online learning, while the second day centred on modern technological solutions and their integration into the educational process. A key part of the programme was a practical workshop led by teachers from HSE University’s Faculty of Computer Science, who demonstrated how AI tools could be used to create educational and visual materials.
The seminar brought together over 150 participants and experts from 14 countries, including China (with Hong Kong), India, Malaysia, and Oman. A special guest, Mr. Chen Wei, a board member of the XuetangX platform, spoke about joint initiatives with HSE University Online and the platform’s mission in digital education transformation.
Sergey Roshchin
‘Despite differences in educational systems and regional contexts, global challenges in digital transformation are common to all. It is therefore essential to develop platforms for global dialogue that allow universities to establish strategic partnerships and find joint solutions. International cooperation is crucial for the sustainable development of online education,’ noted Sergey Roshchin, HSE University Vice Rector and Head of the Laboratory for Labour Market Studies.
‘It is a great honour to speak at the U4U seminar. At a time when technologies like artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming higher education, such platforms are crucial. They provide universities and partners with the opportunity to exchange ideas and jointly develop new approaches. XuetangX is committed to working closely with HSE University to enhance digital competencies and prepare students for future global challenges,’ commented Chen Wei, a board member of the global online platform XuetangX.
Yulia Remezova
‘In 2024, HSE University Online achieved Gold status in the Times Higher Education ranking, becoming one of the leading universities in online education. This prompted us to rethink our role as experts in the field of distance education and create an international platform for sharing experience and developing productive partnerships in online learning.
We see that sharing experiences with international colleagues helps universities adopt innovations faster and develop educational models that meet contemporary demands. AI tools are already changing learning approaches, and it is vital for educators to learn how to use these opportunities consciously and collaboratively. Ultimately, online education is not about technology per se, but about the people who integrate it to improve the quality of educational products,’ said Yulia Remezova, Director for eLearning at HSE University.
Olga Kharina
‘While moderating the session, I saw how diverse and valuable the experience of our international colleagues is. This is not just an exchange of views, but an opportunity to compare approaches, discover new solutions, and gain a deeper understanding of global trends, with Asia as the engine of progress.
I believe the U4U project serves several important purposes. On the one hand, it creates a space for expanding international contacts and practical cooperation, allowing us to build meaningful working relationships and receive feedback from different educational systems. On the other hand, such initiatives provide a powerful impetus for developing the mechanisms already operating in our country. By studying international practices, we can learn new approaches from colleagues who are open to interaction. In this sense, U4U is becoming not just a meeting place, but a point of growth, renewal, and professional enrichment,’ said Olga Kharina, PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor at HSE University’s School of Asian Studies, and Senior Researcher at the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Parimala Veluvali
‘It was wonderful to join this global gathering of education professionals united by the common goal of developing online learning worldwide.
In my speech, I discussed online education in India, analysing its vast opportunities, its evolving landscape, and the challenges accompanying rapid digital transformation in higher education.
The seminar was an excellent opportunity to learn from valuable ideas of colleagues worldwide. The exchange of opinions and experiences clearly demonstrated how collaboration and innovation can strengthen the global online learning ecosystem,’ said Parimala Veluvali, Director of SSODL (Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning).
For the eighth time, the annual U4U international Seminar confirmed its role as an open platform for dialogue between universities. It brings together teachers and experts committed to developing online education, fostering partnerships, and building a global academic community. The participants of the 2025 seminar expressed strong interest in continuing their cooperation and proposed new formats to engage a wider audience in discussions on the most pressing issues of digital education.
The HSE Online Campus is the leader among Russian universities in the number of full-time online programmes and enrolled students. Since the launch of the country’s first English-language online programme, the Master of Data Science, in 2020, first-year enrolment has increased 17-fold. Today, more than 7,600 students from Russia and abroad study at the online campus. Notably, one in every five students enrolled at HSE University in 2025 is an online student.
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