As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape education and everyday life, UNESCO has introduced two new AI competency frameworks for students and teachers. These initiatives aim to help countries equip learners and educators with the skills needed to engage with AI in a safe, ethical, and responsible manner, ensuring that education systems remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Unlike conventional digital technologies, AI has the potential to profoundly transform societies, economies, and learning environments, while also raising complex ethical concerns related to fairness, privacy, transparency, and accountability. Its ability to imitate aspects of human reasoning further challenges human agency and decision-making. In response, UNESCO adopts a human-centred approach, emphasizing that AI should enhance human capabilities and intellectual growth rather than replace human intelligence or undermine the essential role of educators.

The new frameworks provide a strategic roadmap for countries to develop inclusive and forward-looking education policies. For students, the focus lies on four key competencies: understanding human roles in relation to AI, developing ethical awareness, acquiring foundational knowledge of AI applications, and fostering creativity through AI system design. At the same time, the teacher framework promotes professional development in areas such as ethical AI use, AI-supported teaching, and the use of AI for lifelong learning, upholding the principle that technology should complement rather than substitute the work of teachers.

Beyond classroom practices, UNESCO urges broader policy action, from expanded internet access to ethical and sustainable AI development, while cautioning against over reliance on AI to solve deeper educational challenges. Despite its promise, AI may struggle to overcome deeper educational challenges without sustained human and institutional backing. As it shapes the future, these frameworks call on countries to build education systems grounded in innovation, inclusion, and human values.
(Adapted from https://www.unesco.org)