Project Management Institute (PMI) has partnered with Cannes Lions to launch the LIONS Educators Forum, a global initiative aimed at helping academic institutions better prepare students for the changing demands of the modern workplace.
Announced on June 8, the initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between educators and industry leaders as rapid technological change and artificial intelligence reshape career paths and skill requirements.
The Forum will focus on developing future-ready curricula and creating stronger links between education and employment, enabling students to gain skills needed to thrive in creative and innovation-driven industries.
Educators worldwide will participate in a network designed to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and access to industry expertise. The programme will feature two annual virtual roundtables, an in-person forum during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity scheduled for June 22-26, 2026, and a year-round global community for educators and professionals.
Steve Latham, Global Head of Strategic Learning Initiatives at Cannes Lions, said creativity has become one of the most valuable skills in the global economy, making stronger connections between education and industry increasingly important.
As the founding partner, PMI will contribute insights on the capabilities required for success in an AI-enabled workplace, emphasizing project management as a critical skill for managing complexity, fostering collaboration and delivering results.
PMI Chief Marketing Officer Menaka Gopinath said future professionals will need more than the ability to generate ideas, adding that students should also develop the skills necessary to translate creativity into real-world impact.
PMI currently works with thousands of academic institutions around the world, providing educators and students with tools and certifications aimed at improving project delivery and leadership capabilities.
The LIONS Educators Forum forms part of Cannes Lions’ broader efforts to promote lifelong learning and support excellence across the marketing and communications industry.