UNESCO's Worldwide AI Education: Fueling Innovation within the Public Sector of 31 Countries
As the world embarks on a critical digital transformation era, public institutions face the challenge of modernizing their services while upholding human rights, transparency, and inclusivity. However, many governments struggle with the digital skills, infrastructure, and regulatory coherence needed to fully realize artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for public benefit.
To bridge this gap, UNESCO has launched an impactful initiative aimed at building ethical and inclusive AI capacity within the public sector. The UNESCO Global AI Training for the Public Sector, a six-week international course completed in February 2025, trained government officials from 31 countries to leverage AI for transforming public services.
The need for digital transformation in governance
Modern governance increasingly relies on digital tools, yet limited expertise, aging infrastructure, and fragmented legal frameworks impede progress. These bottlenecks hinder governments' ability to deliver responsive, transparent, and efficient services. AI presents a transformative potential, from streamlining administrative processes to improving service delivery and engaging citizens more directly.
However, if not governed ethically, AI can deepen inequality, infringe on privacy, or exacerbate bias. Therefore, establishing internal capacity grounded in ethics, human rights, and governance is essential.
UNESCO's comprehensive AI learning journey
The training, led by Prateek Sibal, Programme Specialist at UNESCO, and Dr. Sebastian Drosselmeier, covered a structured, multidisciplinary curriculum. It aimed to help public officials understand AI's technical, ethical, and strategic dimensions.
Key modules focused on:
- Introduction to AI in the Public Sector
- Challenges of digital transformation
- Strategic procurement
- Global geopolitics of AI
- AI Fundamentals
- Types of AI systems
- Project management life cycles
- Data readiness
- Public Service Design and AI
- Human-centered design thinking
- Inclusive service delivery
- AI Governance
- Ethical frameworks and regulation
- Societal impact assessment tools
- Hands-On Project Practice
- Collaborative AI solutions
- Localized application strategies
Each module translated complex theory into practical application, empowering participants to design innovative services tailored to their national contexts.
Expert faculty and global thought leadership
Participants benefited from sessions led by international experts, ensuring a multidimensional perspective on AI adoption:
- Dr. Miriam Stankovich: Geopolitical dynamics of AI
- Dr. Ilaria Mariani: Human-centered service design approaches
- Dr. Helen Titilola Olojede: Institutional ethics in decision-making
- Soizic Pénicaud: Governance frameworks and impact assessment methods
Diverse, inclusive participation from across the globe
The training attracted civil servants from ministries, parliaments, and regulatory agencies across diverse geographic regions. A strong emphasis on gender inclusion was reflected, with 55% of participants being women.
Regional representation highlights
- Africa: 45% of all participants
- Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East: Remaining 55%, fostering global peer learning
This diversity is pivotal to UNESCO's mission of inclusive capacity-building. It aligns closely with UNESCO's Global Priority Africa policy and supports the African Union's Continental AI Strategy, which champions ethical and rights-based AI deployment across the continent.
Tangible outcomes and transformational impact
Participants emerged with actionable knowledge and tailored strategies to initiate change within their institutions. Many reported that the program had significantly transformed their understanding of AI's role in governance. Armed with new tools, frameworks, and confidence, alumni are expected to champion projects such as:
- Automating bureaucratic workflows using AI
- Designing citizen-centric digital platforms
- Implementing responsible data policies
- Developing legal frameworks for ethical AI deployment
Institutional legacy and educational foundations
This initiative builds upon the success of the AI4Gov Master Programme, previously funded by the European Union and hosted by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Politecnico di Milano. UNESCO's Global AI Training expands this approach with a broader, more inclusive global mandate.
The 2025 edition was offered free of charge to selected participants, ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning.
Scaling for the future: UNESCO's broader AI in governance strategy
UNESCO's training is part of a larger strategic vision: the Programme on AI for the Public Sector, launched in 2021. This program supports governments globally in adopting AI in a manner that is transparent, efficient, rights-based, and inclusive.
Key milestones include:
- 2022: Release of the Digital Competency Framework
- Adopted by governments in Nigeria, Rwanda, India, and EU institutions
Upcoming initiatives include:
- A Global MOOC on Digital Transformation and AI
- A Repository of AI Tools for the Public Sector
- Country-level and regional trainings in 2025
These resources aim to provide scalable, multilingual support for civil servants, from basic digital literacy to advanced AI implementation strategies.
The way forward: From knowledge to action
UNESCO's Global AI Training demonstrates that with the right education, civil servants can champion AI for public good. By integrating AI into governance structures responsibly, governments can:
- Enhance administrative efficiency
- Promote transparency
- Expand civic engagement
- Ensure equitable access to services
Most importantly, UNESCO's model prioritizes human dignity and social inclusion, ensuring that AI becomes a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
Conclusion: UNESCO's role in shaping ethical AI governance
With its Global AI Training for the Public Sector, UNESCO has taken a significant step in ensuring that AI's transformative potential is used ethically and inclusively. As alumni return to their home countries equipped with new knowledge and networks, the impact of this initiative will be felt across ministries, municipalities, and parliaments worldwide. Through its ongoing commitment to human rights-based digital transformation, UNESCO continues to lead global efforts in democratizing AI, building resilient institutions, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
All these advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) by UNESCO and other global entities underscore the necessity for digital education in governance. As technology continues to shape our world, it's crucial that public officials leveraging AI for service transformation grasp the technical, ethical, and strategic aspects of such technology. Online education platforms like UNESCO's Global AI Training serve as powerful vehicles for this purpose, nurturing leaders who can champion AI for public benefit while ensuring human rights, transparency, and inclusivity. By expanding access to these opportunities, we can empower more nations to reap the benefits of AI-driven arts, education, and self-development.
