In recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has profoundly impacted global economies, education, healthcare, and social governance. AI skills have become a core competency for 21st-century citizens. However, over 600 million youths worldwide still lack systematic AI education resources, and the “digital divide” between developing and developed nations continues to widen. In this context, promoting universal and equitable AI education has emerged as a critical action to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4): Quality Education for All.
UNESCO and CODEMAO: Co-Creating the Future of AI Education
Since 2021, UNESCO and CODEMAO have collaborated on the Youth Coding Initiative, a program to popularize AI and coding education among youth in Africa and Asia. Leveraging CODEMAO’s self-developed software platforms and curricula, the initiative has delivered training programs to educators and students in countries including Kenya, Republic of the Congo, Namibia, and Thailand, alongside diverse activities such as competitions and cultural exchanges.
In July 2024, the flagship event “Coding The Future Together: 2024 Africa-Asia Youth Study Tour to China” concluded successfully, generating significant international attention. Delegations of teachers and students from the Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Cote d’Ivoire, and Thailand, accompanied by UNESCO representatives, engaged in weeklong exchanges in Zhuji and Shenzhen, China. They interacted with Chinese educators, students, and tech experts, experienced China’s advancements in STEM education firsthand, and ignited enthusiasm for cross-border scientific collaboration. This program stands as a successful model of UNESCO’s partnership with Chinese edtech enterprises to empower educational innovation in developing nations.
Building on the Youth Coding Initiative, UNESCO and CODEMAO will launch AI Day on March 9, 2025, to further advance AI education globalization and inclusivity. The launch will be announced simultaneously in Paris and Shenzhen by UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations and CODEMAO’s leadership.
Future Commitment: Advancing Global Equity in AI Education
It is expected that in the future UNESCO PAX and CODEMAO will jointly host annual AI Day on March 9 as part of Youth Coding Initiative. The event will indlude:
- Free access to CODEMAO AI Education Platform for developing nations;
- Publication of the Global Youth AI Literacy Development Report to monitor progress;
- Continued coding competitions, AI China Tour, and AI Africa Tour under the initiative.
The program will prioritize AI literacy in Africa, developing nations, and among girls, fostering technological innovation and intercultural dialogue among global youth.
AI is not merely a tool—it is a bridge to an equitable future. Through AI Day, we strive to ensure every child can embrace the opportunities of the digital era.
Recording is available on UNESCO IITE YouTube channel.