OER Dynamic Coalition Webinar: Harnessing OER to strengthen access to information

On the 29th of September, 2021, UNESCO held the OER Dynamic Coalition Webinar, which highlighted the importance of harnessing Open Educational Resources (OER) to strengthen access to information in the context of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2021 celebrations. The webinar explored perspectives on regulatory frameworks related to copyright for educational materials. In this respect, dr. Maja Bogataj Jančič, LL.M., LL.M. presented a study on Remote education during the pandemic – Teachers’ Perspective conducted in seven countries.

The webinar discussed the following key questions:
– How does the UNESCO OER Recommendation enhance international cooperation for universal access to information?
– What can be done to support the development and enhancement of the legal and regulatory framework on copyright and policies for OER development?
– What are examples of good practices, challenges and solutions where OER have supported the right to information and building of inclusive Knowledge Societies?

In addiion to dr. Maja Bogataj Jančič, LL.M., LL.M., the speakers were:
Dirk Van Damme, Owner of DVD EduConsult, retired Head of CERI (OECD), underscored that the UNESCO OER Recommendation is an important and powerful tool for the international community and for international cooperation, and
– Carolina Botero, Executive Director of the Colombian civil society digital rights organization, Karisma Foundation, highlighted that the copyright provisions under the UNESCO Recommendation are important because they allow OER to be localised to better serve the needs of education.