Torunn Gjelsvik

Biography

Torunn Gjelsvik from Oslo, Norway, is an educational ambassador and international leader with specialization in open, flexible, distance and online education. Since she assumed the position as Secretary General of International Council for Open and Distance Education – ICDE - in 2020, she has been a strong advocate for inclusive quality education through flexible learning provisions. 

Gjelsvik holds a Masters’ degree in Nordic languages and literature, and her education background includes French, History, Management and Strategic communication. She started working with development of distance and online learning in 2000, and has held various national and international leadership positions for the past 13 years. 

Gjelsvik’s international experience covers advocacy, policy advice, international networks and partnerships, global events and cross-country project management related to the global field of open, flexible, distance and online education. She is often seen as a speaker or panelist at international education conferences around the globe.