UNESCO Launches Global Consultation on AI Governance in Education

UNESCO has initiated a global consultation process to address the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into education systems worldwide. The project aims to establish a normative foundation for how schools and universities govern these emerging technologies. This effort seeks to ensure that AI tools support the public purpose of education rather than undermining it. The consultation period, which runs through late 2026, invites academics, government officials, and various stakeholders to contribute their perspectives on the future of digital learning. Participants are reviewing a series of commissioned discussion papers that explore the challenges of AI diffusion in diverse educational contexts. These papers examine how systems can maintain agency while adopting new digital tools. The feedback gathered during this period will inform a new set of policy briefs scheduled for release during Digital Learning Week in 2027. UNESCO officials emphasize that the goal is to create actionable and feasible recommendations for countries at different stages of technological development. Key questions for contributors include how to frame policy problems and how to explain complex AI concepts to a broad audience. The initiative also encourages the sharing of evidence and country-specific experiences to strengthen the proposed governance frameworks. By fostering this international dialogue, UNESCO hopes to provide a roadmap for sustaining education as a common good in an increasingly automated world. The organization is particularly interested in how deliberative governance can help education leaders make informed decisions about AI implementation. This consultation represents a significant step in coordinating global policy as schools navigate the complexities of the digital age. The final policy briefs are expected to serve as a primary resource for ministries of education as they update their national strategies.