Global AI Education Initiative by UNESCO: Fostering Innovative Public Sector Development in 31 Countries
In this digital age, we're grappling with the pressing need for public institutions to modernize and adapt, all while preserving human rights, transparency, and inclusivity. However, many governments struggle with the digital competencies, infrastructure, and coherent regulations required to unleash artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for public betterment. That's where UNESCO comes in, spearheading an initiative to seed ethical and inclusive AI capacity within the public sector.
Through UNESCO's Global AI Training for the Public Sector, a six-week international training course completed in February 2025, government officials from across 31 countries embarked on a transformative journey, learning to harness AI's potential to revolutionize public services.
The urgency of digital transformation in governance is echoed by UNESCO's comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to AI education. A diverse group of civil servants, male and female, from ministries, parliaments, and regulatory agencies, spanning various regions (with Africa representing a substantial 45%), took part in this program.
This initiative is intricately connected to UNESCO's larger strategic vision, the Programme on AI for the Public Sector, launched in 2021. It aims to support governments worldwide in adopting AI responsibly, transparently, and inclusively. As part of this commitment, UNESCO has developed an array of resources, such as a digital competency framework, a global MOOC on digital transformation and AI, a repository of AI tools for the public sector, and country-level and regional trainings in 2025.
By integrating AI ethically and inclusively into governance structures, governments can enhance administrative efficiency, promote transparency, expand civic engagement, and ensure equitable access to services. With their newfound knowledge and support, our future alumni will pioneer projects that leverage AI to automate bureaucratic workflows, design citizen-centric digital platforms, implement responsible data policies, and develop legal frameworks for ethical AI deployment.
With the right education and a steadfast focus on human dignity and social inclusion, UNESCO is ushering in an era where AI becomes a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion. Together, we can build a more responsive, transparent, and inclusive digital future—one official at a time. So, stay connected with UNESCO for upcoming training opportunities, updates, and more!
Artificial intelligence technology is being employed as a tool for public betterment through UNESCO's Global AI Training for the Public Sector, which provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to AI education. This six-week international program emphasizes the importance of ethical and inclusive AI capacity within the public sector, empowering government officials from various regions to revolutionize public services. To further support this endeavor, UNESCO has launched the Programme on AI for the Public Sector, offering resources such as digital competency frameworks, online education, and regional trainings, aiming to ensure AI is adopted responsibly, transparently, and inclusively.
