Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the landscape of open, distance, and digital education, challenging institutions to rethink how learning, teaching, and assessment are designed for true inclusivity. As AI shifts from being a simple tool to an active agent in the learning ecosystem, urgent questions arise: Whose needs are being centred? Which learners risk being excluded? How can educators ensure that creativity, integrity, and equity coexist in AI‑supported environments?

This Action Lab brings together leading experts from across ICDE’s global membership to explore what inclusive educational design demands in an AI‑driven era. Moderated by ICDE Secretary General Torunn Gjelsvik, the session features panellists from Europe, Australia, and North America who bring diverse policy, research, and institutional perspectives. The Lab opens with brief framing statements before moving into a dynamic, debate‑focused format where participants and panellists together examine the tensions, opportunities, and emerging practices surrounding AI in education.

Key discussion themes include whether AI should be understood as a partner or tool—and how this shapes pedagogical decision‑making; how institutions define and operationalise “inclusive assessment” today; whether fostering creativity can be compatible with upholding academic integrity; and what structural and cultural barriers most hinder inclusive learning and teaching in an AI world. Audience members will actively contribute through interactive polling and guided prompts, ensuring that the session incorporates a wide range of regional and institutional experiences.

Participants will leave with deeper insight into how different parts of the world are approaching AI integration, along with at least one concrete shift in thinking and one actionable next step to take back to their institution. The session concludes with a synthesis of key ideas and an invitation to engage in upcoming ICDE initiatives on inclusive and responsible AI adoption.