Unesco to Focus International Education Day 2025 on Artificial Intelligence

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Exploring Opportunities and Challenges of AI in Education

Unesco has announced that the International Day of Education 2025, celebrated annually on January 24, will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on education. The initiative seeks to spark global conversations about the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in schools and universities.

Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasised the need for ethical AI integration into education. Highlighting that AI must complement the human and social dimensions of learning, she stated, “AI should serve as a tool to enhance the autonomy and well-being of teachers and students, not replace them.”

Unesco has urged its 193 member states to invest in training teachers and students in the responsible use of AI. While AI has already found applications in lesson planning, student assessments, and administrative decisions, its widespread use has outpaced the establishment of clear ethical guidelines, creating an urgent need for structured frameworks.

Current AI Adoption and Gaps in Education

AI adoption in education is rising rapidly. Unesco reports that in high-income countries, two-thirds of secondary school students use generative AI tools for schoolwork, and teachers are increasingly incorporating AI into their practices. However, a 2023 Unesco survey revealed that only 10% of educational institutions have official frameworks for AI use.

Furthermore, while some countries are leading the charge with AI-specific curricula and teacher training, many lack access to basic educational resources. Azoulay stressed that AI investments should not divert funds from essential needs, pointing out that one in four primary schools globally still lacks electricity and most are not connected to the internet.

The focus on AI for International Education Day 2025 is aligned with Unesco’s commitment to ethical technology integration. As countries embrace AI’s potential, the agency aims to ensure its deployment enhances, rather than disrupts, educational equity and quality. Unesco continues to advocate for well-resourced schools and motivated educators, underlining that the human element remains central to effective learning.