Combating COVID-19: Updates

While the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented challenge for educational systems worldwide, it also brought much needed attention to the importance of connectivity and the use of digital technologies for teaching and learning in an open schooling context. A new report published by the Broadband Commission looks into connecting primary and secondary schools to the Internet. (UNESCO)

The COVID-19 pandemic forced education systems across Latin America to respond quickly to guarantee the continuity of learning. As in other parts of the world, digital policies played a crucial role. Despite all the efforts, digital policies remain uneven in Latin America. The educational crisis brought on from the COVID-19 pandemic exposed this, especially with regard to access, use, and integration of ICT at the level of education systems. (UNESCO IIEP)

Over recent years and all the more so since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been ever more applications drawing on AI, notably with the aim of accelerating research into vaccines and improving tracing of the virus. AI has contributed to the development of telemedicine and distance learning. It has also been used to operate drones for the delivery of medical supplies and the need for a global regulatory instrument has grown on a par with the spread of AI applications. (UNESCO)

The recommendations on managing educational establishments for children up to the age of 18 are detailed in the joint publication, Considerations for school-related public health measures in the context of COVID-19. The guidance provides information on ways to implement a risk-based approach according to the level and intensity of the transmission of COVID-19. (UNESCO)

UNESCO global webinar held on International Literacy Day (ILD) brought together more than 500 participants, stakeholders and decision makers from around the world. The discussion focused on the theme of ILD 2020, ‘Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond: The role of educators and changing pedagogies’. (UNESCO)

The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruptions to daily life and children are feeling these changes deeply. While the return to school will be not only welcome but exciting for many students, others will be feeling anxious or frightened. Here are tips to help your children navigate some of the complicated emotions they may be facing with going back to school. (UNICEF)

UNESCO just released its new report on Artificial Intelligence and Gender Equality, which sets forth proposed elements of a Framework on Gender Equality and AI for further consideration, discussion and elaboration amongst various stakeholders. Advancing gender equality through education, the sciences, culture, information and communication lies at the heart of UNESCO’s mandate, with Gender Equality constituting one of the two Global Priorities of the Organization since 2008. (UNESCO)

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) has published a new report setting out a future-focused vision of education. Embracing a culture of lifelong learning, UIL’s contribution to the UNESCO International Commission on the Futures of Education, argues that creating a global culture of lifelong learning will be key to addressing the challenges faced by humanity, from the climate crisis to technological and demographic change, not to mention those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the inequalities it has exacerbated. (UNESCO UIL)

This year, 900 million pre-primary to secondary students were set to return to school between August and October. According to UNESCO figures, however, only half of them – 433 million in 155 countries – will return to classrooms at this stage. One billion students, two-thirds of the global student population, face either school closures or uncertainty. The most vulnerable populations, particularly girls, are especially at risk. (UNESCO)

Over 11 million girls may not go back to school after the COVID-19 crisis. This alarming number not only threatens decades of progress made towards gender equality, but also puts girls around the world at risk of adolescent pregnancy, early and forced marriage, and violence. For many girls, school is more than just a key to a better future. It’s a lifeline. Join UNESCO and members of the Global Education Coalition in a new #LearningNeverStops campaign to ensure that every girl is able to learn while schools are closed and return to the classroom when schools safely reopen. (UNESCO)

Malala Fund, Plan International, UNESCO, UNGEI and UNICEF are launching today Building Back Equal: Girls Back to School Guide. The guide aims to help policymakers and practitioners in Ministries of Education and their partners address the gender dimensions of COVID-related school closures. (UNESCO)

UNESCO and UNICEF, with support from the Australian Embassy, have launched a campaign called Winning Indoors for children and their families. “Winning Indoors” is a collection of indoor game ideas created by children and young people and shared on a purpose-built website for children. (UNESCO)