91�鶹������Ʒ����

Moderated by Alejandra Molina, SDG4 Youth & Student Network Member and GEN Invest Director, the opening session set the stage for a day of high-level dialogue. H.E. Mr. , President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly, highlighted AI’s capacity to expand access and tailor learning experiences, citing examples from Bhutan’s internet-connected schools to Africa’s burgeoning innovation hubs. Yet, he struck a cautious note: 

This interplay of optimism and caution threaded through the day’s conversations. From the classrooms of Côte d’Ivoire, , offered a stark yet hopeful perspective. Her country’s challenges—regional disparities, limited digital infrastructure—are steep, but so is its resolve. Côte d’Ivoire is introducing AI into school curricula, outfitting classrooms with technology, and providing teachers with the skills they need to thrive in this new era. Partnering with UNESCO and over 20 African nations, Côte d’Ivoire is also conducting a comprehensive assessment of its readiness to adopt AI ethically and equitably. Koné’s message was both urgent and optimistic: 

Eliot Minchenberg, Director of UNESCO’s Liaison Office to the UN, addressed AI’s transformative yet uncertain impact, particularly in advanced economies where its adoption is accelerating. He spotlighted UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, the first global standard of its kind, alongside new guidance for generative AI in education. Minchenberg warned of AI’s risks, such as the spread of misinformation, referencing the study “” and emphasizing the importance of media literacy programs to counter such threats.

Bringing to the table the unique opportunities the United Nations can offer in navigating the education revolution, Ambassador Jakub Kulhánek of the Czech Republic, Chair of the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning, reflected on AI’s dual nature. He acknowledged its capacity to reshape education but also highlighted its challenges: privacy concerns, regulatory gaps, and the potential to deepen inequalities. Ambassador Kulhánek also urged global cooperation, referencing milestones like the  and the upcoming , to ensure AI-driven progress benefits all, especially the most vulnerable.

The keynote address brought a nuanced perspective to the AI conversation. , Stanford University’s Vice Provost for Digital Education, presented AI as a double-edged sword: an enabler of personalized learning and a potential disruptor of critical thinking and equity. Rascoff reminded attendees that AI must not overshadow the irreplaceable role of educators in fostering creativity and collaboration. By automating routine tasks and offering real-time feedback, AI can enhance teachers’ effectiveness and free them to focus on the more profound aspects of teaching. Still, Rascoff stressed, this must be done in a way that ensures all students, particularly those in underserved communities, benefit equitably from these innovations.

Moderated by Lily Gray, Senior Liaison Officer at UNESCO’s New York Office, the panel discussion opened with an address by H.E. Mr. , President of ECOSOC and Canada’s Permanent Representative to the UN. Rae compared the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) to the invention of the printing press, underscoring its revolutionary potential to democratize education, bridge knowledge gaps, and spark global innovation. Yet, he warned, as with any transformative technology, AI’s benefits come with challenges, from privacy concerns to deepening inequalities. Rae called for global collaboration among governments, private companies, and multilateral organizations to ensure AI is deployed ethically and equitably, transforming education into a tool for collective progress rather than a force of division. 

The discussion unfolded with insights from global leaders and education innovators.  of the SDG4 Youth & Student Network called for a balanced approach to AI in multilingual and underserved contexts, urging educators to rethink teaching methods while addressing the over-reliance on AI tools. Google for Education’s  echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of privacy and access, alongside Google’s efforts to provide equitable, secure AI solutions tailored for younger learners.  of the IVECA Center for International Virtual Schooling highlighted the need for educators to instill ethical reasoning and empathy in students, framing the role of AI as a complement to human connection, not a replacement.  of ITU stressed the urgency of addressing the digital divide, advocating for universal connectivity and ethical AI standards to ensure the benefits of this transformative technology reach every classroom. 

In closing, , Deputy CEO of the Global Partnership for Education, provided a sobering summary: seven out of ten ten-year-old in low-income countries cannot read a basic text. While AI promises to revolutionize education, its implementation must address global disparities and safeguard human creativity, critical thinking, and connection. “Youth are calling,” North concluded. “They’re counting on us to answer.”

Bringing in inspiring moments, Edward Bilous, Director of the , Alita Moses and Airi Yoshioka showcased an innovative performance blending AI, haptic technology, and human artistry. 

The event reinforced a powerful message: AI can be a force for equity and innovation, but its transformative potential will only be realized through ethical, inclusive, and collaborative action. As we stand at the crossroads of education and technology, UNESCO’s leadership invites us all to imagine—and build—a future where learning knows no boundaries.