Founded in 1987, the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) is a non-profit organization of higher learning institutions that are primarily concerned with open and distance education. It strives to widen the educational opportunities available to all people in Asia and to improve the quality of the institutions in terms of their educational management, teaching and research. It promotes education by distance teaching systems, as well as professional and ethical standards; develops potentialities of open and distance education; cooperates with official bodies and others directly or indirectly interested in education at a distance; and facilitates cooperation with other similar regional and international bodies.

The AAOU membership consists of Full and Associate members. Our members share a common belief that the development of distance education can be obtained through friendship and close exchanges among institutions of open higher learning.

The AAOU Annual Conference, hosted in turn by member institutions, is a stimulating forum for all those associated with open and distance learning in Asia, particularly academics, administrators and students. It provides a focal point for bringing everyone up to date on the issues, ideas and developments in the field of open distance learning.

Raising the theme "Responding to Global Challenges Towards a Resilient and Future-Ready Open and Distance Education," this year the 39th AAOU Annual Conference is hosted by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, from 22-24 October 2026.

The 39th AAOU Annual Conference encompasses a diverse range of sub-themes, designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation. The sub-themes are as follows:

• Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Learning Technologies
• Immersive, Flexible, and Next-Generation Learning Environments
• Equity, Accessibility, and Digital Inclusion
• Learner Support, Engagement, and Well-being
• Quality Assurance, Assessment, and Credentialing
• Institutional Resilience, Policy, and Governance

Please note the important dates for submission and registration:

• Deadline of Submission of Abstracts: 16 May 2026
• Notification of Abstract Acceptance: 01 June 2026
• Deadline of Submission of Full Paper: 15 July 2026
• Deadline of Early Bird Registration: 01 July 2026
• Deadline of Registration: 01 September 2026

Conference Website: https://aaou2026.pup.edu.ph

Paper Submission Platform: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=aaou2026

Contact of the conference organizing committee: aaou2026@pup.edu.ph