UNESCO’s Education Day 2025 focused on the integration of AI in education while preserving human agency. Key discussions involved training on IT and AI use, ensuring equitable access, and maintaining youth autonomy, particularly for women. The event featured collaborative conferences and evaluations on ethical frameworks for AI, emphasizing a commitment to ethical education and innovation in Cameroon.
UNESCO’s Education Day 2025 served as a pivotal platform for collaboration among partners, member states from Central Africa, policymakers, experts, educators, and innovators to address education in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). The central theme of this event, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” underscored the need for ethical governance as AI transforms the educational landscape.
A crucial aspect of the discussions was avoiding a disparity in digital literacy that could create a two-tiered society. Key recommendations included comprehensive IT training for the entire population to ensure equitable access and benefits from AI advancements. Following this foundation, further education on optimizing AI utilization was emphasized as vital for maximizing its potential.
On January 22, 2025, UNESCO collaborated with the UNESCO Chair for Central Africa ACCES-TIC and the Ministry of Higher Education for a significant conference entitled “AI and Education: Preserving the Autonomy of Youth and Women in an Automated World.” It aimed to explore how to maintain the autonomy of youth, particularly women, amid increasing automation, supporting the theme “One Student, One Project, One Enterprise.”
Concurrent with the conference, UNESCO Cameroon held its 5th Evaluation Meeting on the nation’s readiness for AI ethics. This workshop, in conjunction with the National Commission of UNESCO for Cameroon, assessed legal frameworks, policies, and infrastructure essential for establishing a responsible AI approach. The findings were set to culminate in a conclusion scheduled for February 4, 2025, focusing on identified gaps and prioritizing solutions.
The Regional Conference on AI and Education on January 24, 2025, showcased engaging discussions on leveraging AI to revolutionize educational practices while prioritizing essential human elements like autonomy and creativity. Paul Coustère, UNESCO’s Regional Director for Central Africa, emphasized the inevitability of AI integration while advocating for ethical policies guided by human values.
The conference stressed that AI could empower educational systems and enhance learning experiences, emphasizing the need to preserve human connections in teaching and learning processes. By supporting educators, students, and policymakers, UNESCO Cameroon aims to address digital age challenges while ensuring ethics and human dignity take precedence.
Feedback from participants highlighted the experience’s inspirational nature. For instance, a student from the IAI campus expressed, “It was very instructive and inspiring for us. I need to materialize my idea, my project in the form of a business to inspire younger people.”
As Education Day 2025 concluded, it was evident that Cameroon is committed to education, innovation, and ethical integration of AI, with UNESCO leading the charge towards a more inclusive and brighter future for all in the educational sector.
In summary, UNESCO’s Education Day 2025 highlighted the intersection of AI and education, stressing the importance of preserving human agency in an automated world. Key themes included equitable access to technology, the autonomy of the youth, particularly women, and the necessity for ethical frameworks in AI. The event facilitated critical discussions aimed at empowering educators and students while reinforcing the centrality of human values in education amidst technological advancements.
Original Source: www.unesco.org
