The 5th Non-Formal Education International Conference (NFEIC) 2026
Theme:
“Transforming Non-Formal Education through AI-Driven Learning Ecosystems
toward SDGs 2030”
Organized by
Department of Non-Formal Education
Faculty of Education Universitas Negeri Padang
Indonesia
Welcome to The 5th NFEIC 2026
It is our great honour to invite academics, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, students, NGOs, and professionals from around the world to participate in The 5th Non-Formal Education International Conference (NFEIC) 2026, organized by the Department of Non-Formal Education, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia.
The conference will be held on August 6th, 2026 through a hybrid platform at Universitas Negeri Padang and via online conference system at: www.nfeic2026.unp.ac.id
The conference serves as an international academic forum for sharing innovative ideas, research findings, policy recommendations, and practical experiences related to the transformation of non-formal education through artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and lifelong learning approaches toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
Background
The rapid advancement of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed almost every aspect of human life, including education systems worldwide. Educational institutions are now challenged to adapt to technological disruption, shifting labor market demands, and increasingly complex social changes. In this context, non-formal education plays a strategic role in providing flexible, inclusive, and lifelong learning opportunities for diverse communities.
At the global level, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 emphasize the importance of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. However, the achievement of SDG 4 remains challenging in many developing countries due to educational inequality, digital divides, limited technological infrastructure, and disparities in access to quality learning.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force capable of reshaping learning ecosystems through personalized learning, adaptive educational systems, intelligent assessment, virtual learning environments, and data-driven educational decision-making. AI-driven learning ecosystems offer significant opportunities to strengthen non-formal education programs, improve digital literacy, expand educational access, and support community empowerment initiatives.
Nevertheless, the integration of AI into education also raises critical issues related to ethics, accessibility, digital inclusion, policy readiness, educator competencies, and sustainability. Therefore, collaborative efforts among governments, academic institutions, NGOs, industries, and communities are urgently needed to ensure that technological transformation contributes positively to educational equity and sustainable development.
The 5th NFEIC 2026 aims to become an international platform for discussing innovative strategies, research findings, and practical experiences in transforming non-formal education through AI-driven learning ecosystems toward achieving SDGs 2030.
Objectives
The objectives of The 5th NFEIC 2026 are:
1. To provide an international academic platform for sharing research findings, innovations, and best practices related to non-formal education and AI-driven learning ecosystems.
2. To strengthen collaboration among academics, practitioners, governments, NGOs, industries, and communities in promoting inclusive and sustainable education.
3. To discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into non-formal education and lifelong learning systems.
4. To encourage the development of innovative learning ecosystems that support educational accessibility, equity, and sustainability.
5. To promote interdisciplinary discussions concerning educational transformation, digital literacy, community empowerment, and SDGs 2030.
6. To formulate strategic recommendations and policy inputs for strengthening AI-based educational transformation in developing countries.
Main Theme
“Transforming Non-Formal Education through AI-Driven Learning Ecosystems toward SDGs 2030”
Sub-Themes
1. Artificial Intelligence in Non-Formal Education
2. AI-Based Lifelong Learning Systems
3. Digital Literacy and Educational Transformation
4. Inclusive Education through Smart Technologies
5. Community Empowerment through AI and Digital Innovation
6. Future Skills and Workforce Readiness in the AI Era
7. Ethical Issues and Policies in AI-Based Education
8. Smart Learning Ecosystems and Adaptive Learning Technologies
9. Vocational Education and Technology Integration
10. Bridging the Digital Divide in Developing Countries
11. Educational Sustainability and SDGs 2030
12. AI for Community Development and Social Innovation
Expected Outputs
The expected outputs of the conference are:
1. Enhanced international collaboration and networking among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and educational institutions.
2. Increased understanding of current issues and future trends in AI-driven non-formal education and lifelong learning.
3. Publication of high-quality research papers in reputable international and national journals.
4. Development of strategic recommendations for educational transformation through AI and digital innovation.
5. Identification of innovative practices in inclusive and sustainable education systems.
6. Strengthened awareness regarding the importance of AI ethics, digital equity, and educational sustainability.
7. Contribution to the acceleration of SDGs 2030 achievement through educational innovation and lifelong learning.
Participants
The conference participants include:
- Academics and researchers
- Lecturers and university students
- Teachers and educators
- NGO practitioners and community development workers
- Government representatives and policymakers
- Industry professionals and technology developers
- International and national educational organizations
- Lifelong learning practitioners
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline : May 25th 2026
Notification of Acceptance : June 10th 2026
Full Paper Submission Deadline : July 10th 2026
Early Registration Deadline : July 20th 2026
Conference Day : August 6th 2026
Call for Papers
Researchers, lecturers, students, practitioners, NGOs, and policymakers are invited to submit original and unpublished papers related to the conference themes.
Paper Requirements:
1. Abstract must be written in English (200-300 words).
2. Full paper must be written in English (3000-5000 words).
3. Papers should follow the conference template.
4. All submitted papers will undergo blind peer review.
5. Selected papers will be recommended for publication in indexed international or accredited national journals.
Submission Link: www.nfeic2026.unp.ac.id
Publication Opportunities
1. International Indexed Journal (Scopus Indexed) *selected paper only
2. National Accredited Journal (SINTA 2)
additional publication fees may apply based on journal policies.
Registration Fee
Participant FREE
Presenter FREE
Venue
Hybrid Conference:
- Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
- Online Platform: www.nfeic2026.unp.ac.id
Contact Information
Website www.nfeic2026.unp.ac.id
Email committee@nfeic2026.unp.ac.id
Contact Persons
1. Rembulan Catra Banyu Biru
2. Zahratul Azizah
Organizing Committee
International Advisory Boards
1. Rector of Universitas Negeri Padang
2. Chairman of IKAPENFI
3. International Keynote Speakers
4. Educational Technology Experts
5. AI and Digital Learning Experts
Scientific Committee
1. Dean of Faculty of Education
2. Professors and Senior Researchers of Non-Formal Education
3. International Academic Reviewers
Organizing Committee
- General Chair : Alim Harun Pamungkas
- Secretary-General : Rembulan Catra Banyu Biru
- Technical Chairperson: Zahratul Azizah
Keynote Speakers
1. International Expert on Artificial Intelligence in Education
2. Expert in Non-Formal Education and Lifelong Learning
3. Educational Technology Specialist
4. Policy Expert on SDGs and Educational Sustainability
Closing
The 5th NFEIC 2026 is expected to become a meaningful international academic forum that promotes collaboration, innovation, and sustainable educational transformation through AI-driven learning ecosystems. Through this conference, participants are encouraged to contribute actively toward building inclusive, equitable, and sustainable learning societies aligned with SDGs 2030.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
The Chairman of The 5th NFEIC 2026