About me
I am Co-Executive Director of Open Education Global (OEGlobal), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing open education worldwide. Originally from Slovakia and based in South Africa since 2003. Working with international and national organizations for more than 16 years, I have focused on the expansion of access to knowledge and educational opportunities, amongst other roles. Throughout my career, I have contributed to global education initiatives. This has been as a researcher, evaluator, coordinator, and organizational leader.
I hold an MA (Cum Laude) in Development Studies from the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), an MA in Development Management from Ruhr University Bochum (Germany), and a PhD from the Open University of the Netherlands. My doctoral research examined how international organizations have shaped governmental Open Educational Resources (OER) policies, explored policymakers' perceptions of their effectiveness, and developed recommendations for expanding access to educational resources and opportunities. My work focuses on open education policy, international collaboration, and strategies for sustaining knowledge as a public good. An open-access eBook version of my doctoral thesis is available here: https://proefschriftmaken.nl/ebook/igorlesko
At OEGlobal, I help lead the organization's global strategy, international partnerships, conferences, advocacy, and community engagement initiatives. I enjoy bringing together people, institutions, and ideas from around the world to strengthen the global open education movement and advance more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable approaches to education.
Outside of my professional work, I am an endurance athlete and triathlete. I have completed numerous road and trail marathons and ultramarathons, as well as Ironman 70.3 races and a full Ironman triathlon. Endurance sport continually reminds me of the value of commitment, persistence, preparation, and long-term thinking - qualities that also shape my professional life.
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