UNESCO dedicates 2025 International Day of Education to AI

On January 24, 2025, UNESCO will observe the International Day of Education on the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”

This theme emphasizes the critical role of education in enabling individuals and communities to navigate, comprehend, and influence technological advancements, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

As AI technologies become increasingly sophisticated, the distinction between human intent and machine-driven actions can blur, raising important questions about maintaining and enhancing human agency in an era of rapid technological progress. UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, has called on member states to invest in training both teachers and students on the responsible use of AI within educational settings.

To support this initiative, UNESCO has developed AI Competency Frameworks for both teachers and students. The framework for teachers outlines the knowledge, skills, and values educators need to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices, ensuring that education remains human-centered and inclusive.

Similarly, the student framework aims to prepare learners to be responsible and creative citizens in the AI era, detailing competencies across multiple dimensions.

These efforts align with the objectives of the Global Digital Compact, which seeks to ensure that humanity retains control over the development and governance of AI technologies. By focusing on education and ethical guidelines, UNESCO aims to harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding human rights and agency.

The International Day of Education 2025 serves as a platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in education, promoting a global dialogue on how to best integrate these technologies to enhance learning while preserving the essential human elements of education.