On January 24, 2025, UNESCO will commemorate the International Day of Education by spotlighting the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. This year’s theme underscores both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, aiming to foster global dialogue on its integration into learning environments. Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, has emphasized the critical need for ethical and responsible use of AI to empower educators and learners alike.
AI in Education: A Double-Edged Sword
Artificial intelligence holds immense potential to revolutionize education, from personalized learning experiences to automated lesson planning and assessment tools. In high-income countries, over two-thirds of secondary school students are already leveraging generative AI for academic tasks, while educators are utilizing AI to enhance lesson preparation and student evaluations. AI is also being employed in areas such as career counseling and school admissions, traditionally managed by human expertise.
Despite these advancements, the lack of universal guidelines on AI usage in education poses significant challenges. According to a UNESCO survey conducted in May 2023, only 10% of educational institutions have an official framework for AI use. Furthermore, as of 2022, just 7 countries had introduced AI training programs for educators, and 15 nations had incorporated AI objectives into their national curricula. This disparity has led to divided global opinions, with some countries embracing AI integration and others imposing restrictions. For instance, the number of countries banning mobile phones in schools rose from 24% in July 2023 to nearly 40% in 2025.
UNESCO’s Role in Shaping Ethical AI in Education
As a global leader in education, science, culture, and information, UNESCO has been addressing the ethical implications of AI for nearly a decade. In November 2021, its Member States adopted the world’s first framework on the ethics of AI, setting a standard for its responsible use. Since then, UNESCO has launched multiple initiatives to guide AI implementation in education:
- Generative AI Guidance: In September 2023, UNESCO published comprehensive guidelines for using generative AI in education and research.
- AI Competency Frameworks: In 2024, UNESCO released two frameworks to equip teachers and students with the skills to use AI responsibly while understanding its risks.
- Age Restrictions for AI Usage: The organization recommends setting a minimum age of 13 for using AI tools in classrooms to safeguard young learners.
UNESCO stresses that AI must complement rather than replace the human and social dimensions of education. The focus should remain on empowering teachers and students, prioritizing their autonomy and well-being. To achieve this, AI should serve as a tool that enhances learning outcomes without undermining essential investments in education infrastructure and teacher development.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
While AI can drive innovation, UNESCO warns against diverting critical resources from education’s foundational needs. Alarmingly, 25% of primary schools worldwide still lack electricity, and 60% are not connected to the Internet. UNESCO urges governments to ensure that investments in AI are supplementary and do not compromise existing commitments to improving school infrastructure, providing quality education, and supporting well-trained teachers.
A Call for Global Discussion and Action
To commemorate International Day of Education 2025, UNESCO has planned various events, including conferences in Paris and New York and an international webinar. These initiatives aim to facilitate a global conversation on integrating AI into education while upholding ethical principles and inclusivity.
UNESCO’s dedication to this cause reflects its commitment to harnessing AI’s potential for education while addressing its risks. By encouraging countries to adopt clear policies and invest in training educators and students, the organization aims to pave the way for a future where AI is a powerful ally in education, fostering innovation without compromising human values.
The Future of Education with AI
As the world increasingly integrates AI into education, UNESCO’s focus on ethical and inclusive practices is more relevant than ever. By dedicating International Day of Education 2025 to AI, UNESCO not only highlights the technology’s transformative potential but also calls for collective responsibility to ensure it benefits all learners.