Forum supports educators as they face the challenges of the AI era
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THE CANNES Lions Educator Forum has returned for 2026 in partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI), bringing together academics, industry leaders and educators
from around the world to address one of the creative sector’s biggest challenges: preparing
students for an uncertain and rapidly evolving workplace.
Building on PMI’s third year of collaboration with LIONS Learning, the Forum is designed to create stronger links between education and employment through year-round communities, virtual discussions and a dedicated programme during the Festival.
According to PMI chief marketing officer Menaka Gopinath, concern among educators about whether students are adequately prepared for the workplace is
building.
“Are we preparing our students to enter the workforce effectively?” she said.
Gopinath said the pivot towards AI has made the gulf between education and employment a more urgent consideration, particularly as students repeatedly hear warnings that entry-level jobs may disappear.
“A key concern is that kids are not going to learn the critical thinking skills to use AI effectively,” she added.
The Educator Forum seeks to address such issues through intimate discussions rather than
conference-style presentations. Topics covered across the week include Transforming Curriculum For A Changing Future; The Modern Learner: Staying Nimble In An Ever-Changing Environment; Don’t Fear AI, Embrace It: Integrating Emerging Technologies Into Academia; and Shaping The Next Era Of Work And Talent Development. Gopinath described the sessions as “conversational”, adding that organisers keep groups small so
participants can openly discuss challenges. “This is about dialogue,” she added. “Being able
to ask vulnerable questions, seeing what people are doing, what works.”
Having said that, educators participating in the programme also receive practical resources,
including curriculum tools designed to help integrate AI and project-management principles
into their teaching.
While a key objective of the Forum is to support educators, Gopinath said it will also host
student meet-ups throughout the week. These sessions aim to help students connect with
peers, educators and industry professionals, and engage in open conversation on career pathways and emerging industry expectations.
Despite widespread anxiety surrounding AI, Gopinath remains optimistic. She argued that collaboration, stakeholder management and interpersonal skills remain invaluable.
“This industry is not just about orchestrating tasks, it’s also about orchestrating people,” she said. “There are plenty of opportunities for younger generations to get into the workforce. The landscape just doesn’t look the same.”
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