International AI Education Program by UNESCO: Encouraging Innovation in the Public Sector of 31 Countries
In the midst of a digital revolution, governments worldwide face a significant challenge: modernizing their services while preserving human rights, transparency, and inclusivity. However, many governments lack the necessary digital skills, infrastructure, and cohesive regulations to fully leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for the common good.
Recognizing the urgency, UNESCO has launched an impactful initiative aimed at equipping public sector officials with the knowledge and skills to harness the transformative potential of AI ethically and inclusively.
Dubbed the UNESCO's Global AI Training for the Public Sector, this six-week international course, concluded in February 2025, trained over 30 countries' civil servants. Guided by Prateek Sibal and Dr. Sebastian Drosselmeier, this structured, multidisciplinary program provided a comprehensive curriculum, delving into AI's technical, ethical, and strategic dimensions.
The program was divided into key modules, including:1. Introduction to AI in the Public Sector2. AI Fundamentals3. Public Service Design and AI4. AI Governance5. Hands-On Project Practice
Each module translated complex theory into practical application, empowering participants to design innovative AI-driven services tailored to their national contexts.
Expert faculty, including Dr. Miriam Stankovich, Dr. Ilaria Mariani, Dr. Helen Titilola Olojede, and Soizic Pénicaud, shared their insights and ensured a multidimensional perspective on AI adoption. The program attracted diverse participants, with 55% being women and representatives hailing from ministries,parliaments, and regulatory agencies across various geographic regions.
With actionable knowledge and tailored strategies, participants are poised to drive change within their institutions, ultimately aiming to:- Automate bureaucratic workflows- Design citizen-centric digital platforms- Implement responsible data policies- Develop legal frameworks for ethical AI deployment
In conclusion, through initiatives like the UNESCO's Global AI Training for the Public Sector, UNESCO is leading global efforts in creating a responsible AI landscape, where technology empowers rather than excludes. By promoting ethical, human-centered approaches to AI adoption, UNESCO fosters a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive digital future.
- Recognizing the need for governments to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) ethically and inclusively, UNESCO launched the Global AI Training for the Public Sector, an international course focusing on AI education and self-development.
- For six weeks, this program equiped civil servants from over 30 countries with the knowledge and skills to harness AI's potential, while emphasizing on practical application in online education.
- The comprehensive curriculum covered various aspects of AI, including AI governance, artificial intelligence in the public sector, AI fundamentals, public service design, and hands-on project practice, with a focus on automating bureaucratic workflows, designing citizen-centric digital platforms, implementing responsible data policies, and developing legal frameworks for ethical AI deployment.
