Welcoming new leadership to advance global collaboration in digital learner mobility and recognition of qualifications
December 19, 2025 – The Groningen Declaration Network (GDN Network) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors, following the Network’s nomination process. Each appointment carries a three-year term that began at the conclusion of the GDN Annual Meeting in Oslo, Norway on October 31, 2025.
Joining the Board of Directors for the 2025–2028 term are Luis López Monreal and Dr. Keiko Ikeda, both widely recognized leaders in higher education administration, international collaboration, and digital innovation in learning.
The GDN extends its sincere gratitude to Koichi Nakasaki, Chief Research Officer at the Institute for Future Engineering, Japan, and Wenjun (Edward) Chen, Assistant Manager at the International Promotion Department, Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD), Ministry of Education, P.R. China, both of whom have served their terms on the Board. The GDN Network expresses its deep appreciation for their dedication, insights, and valuable contributions throughout their tenure.
“The GDN Network Board nominations process reflects our commitment to ensuring diversity, inclusivity, and representation from across global education systems,” says Jelger de Boer, Immediate Past-President of the GDN Network and Chair of the Nominations Committee. “The addition of Luis and Keiko brings new perspectives and a wealth of insight into how institutions are evolving to meet learners’ needs in a rapidly changing digital and policy landscape. Their experience will strengthen the Network’s global dialogue and help drive our shared mission forward.”
Luis López Monreal (Mexico)
Director of Academic Regulations and Management, Tecnológico de Monterrey
Vice President, Association of Registrars and Student Services (ARSEE)
Luis López Monreal serves as Director of Academic Regulations and Management at Tecnológico de Monterrey, overseeing compliance with academic regulations and programs across high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. He ensures institutional alignment with Mexico’s Ministry of Education and national standards, including registration of academic programs nationwide.
Since joining Tecnológico de Monterrey, he has held several leadership roles in academic administration, including National Director of School and Academic Support Services (Registrar) and Academic Director for the Western Region. His career has focused on strengthening academic governance, quality assurance, and institutional effectiveness.
Luis also currently serves as Vice President of the Association of Registrars and Student Services (ARSEE), promoting collaboration and best practices among higher education institutions in Mexico.
“As the GDN Network continues to advance trusted, interoperable, and learner-centered data exchange, the expertise of our new Board members will help shape the next chapter of our work,” says Melanie Gottlieb, President of the GDN Network. “We are deeply grateful to Koichi and Edward for their service and warmly welcome Luis and Keiko to the Board of Directors.”
Dr. Keiko Ikeda (Japan)
Professor, Kansai University
Vice-Director, Institute for Innovative Global Education (IIGE)
JIGE (Japan hub for Innovative Global Education) Executive Project Lead 2023-2028
Keiko Ikeda is a Professor at Kansai University and Vice-Director of the Institute for Innovative Global Education (IIGE). She also serves as the university’s COIL Coordinator, leading efforts to expand international and collaborative online learning opportunities. Dr. Ikeda holds a Ph.D. in Japanese Language Education and Conversation Analysis from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Her expertise centers on internationalization of higher education, intercultural learning, and innovative pedagogies such as Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and Blended Mobility.
She has directed several large-scale initiatives funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT), including the Inter-University Exchange Project (COIL Plus), JIGE (Japan Hub for Innovative Global Education), and OSIP (Osaka Social Impact Project). Through these programs, she promotes digital transformation in global education, competency-based learning, and the integration of micro-credentials for employability. Dr. Ikeda’s current focus lies in building inclusive, technology-enabled ecosystems that connect higher education with industry and society, emphasizing capabilities such as intercultural communication, digital empathy, and collaborative problem solving.
Continuing the GDN Mission
The GDN Network plays a pivotal role in advancing digital learner mobility and the recognition of qualifications globally. Beyond fostering trusted, quality-assured networks, the GDN Network’s growing portfolio includes research, advisory support, and knowledge dissemination and education through annual meetings, regional convenings, webinars, case studies, and collaborative projects.
The Network’s ongoing efforts span areas such as artificial intelligence, recognition and credential standards including microcredentials, interoperability, digitization, workforce skills development, and support for vulnerable populations in credential sharing.
The GDN Network looks forward to the continued collaboration and leadership of its new Board members in advancing these shared goals.
About
About The GDN Network: The GDN Network is an international, non-profit federated trust located in the Netherlands. It represents a voluntary network of like-minded organizations and individuals that seek to make digital student data portability happen. Its network of thought leaders from around the globe are collaborators who seek to support, advise, and offer innovative changes in the ways we share artifacts of academic learning. The GDN Network seeks common ground in best serving the academic and professional mobility needs of citizens worldwide by bringing together stakeholders in the digital student data ecosystem. It seeks to develop and support best practices and globally accepted standards for safe and citizen-oriented convenings and information exchanges. Learn more about the GDN Network at: groningendeclaration.org.
Media Contacts
Joanne Duklas, Executive Director, GDN Network, execdir@groningendeclaration.org
Maya Hardy, Outreach Lead, GDN Network, outreach@groningendeclaration.org
