Children participate in an e-learning session at the Al Seniyaa internally displaced people’s gathering site in Port Sudan. © UNICEF/Ahmed Mohamdeen Elfatih – Photo: 2025
By J Nastranis
Education is a fundamental human right. It’s also a public good that helps society grow. This principle is stated in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To celebrate this right, the United Nations General Assembly marked January 24 as International Day of Education. This day highlights the importance of education for fostering peace and development.
This year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out that education is vital for personal and social growth. In his address, he discussed the complex nature of technological advances like Artificial Intelligence (AI), which can provide great benefits but also bring significant risks.
“Education is an essential building block for every person to reach their full potential, and for societies and economies to grow,” Mr. Guterres noted.
AI’s Dual Edge
Mr. Guterres emphasized that AI can greatly support both students and teachers by expanding access to information and enhancing learning tools. However, he cautioned that as AI technology evolves, it can diverge from human needs, leading to unintended consequences. This year, the UN’s education agency, UNESCO, is focusing on both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in education.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay called for more training for educators and students to ensure responsible use of AI. She stated, “AI can offer major opportunities, but it must adhere to ethical guidelines and enhance, rather than replace, the human aspects of learning.”
Placing Human Rights First
This year’s celebration serves as a reminder to keep human rights at the core of AI technology. Mr. Guterres called for ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to use AI effectively and ethically. UNESCO’s Competency Frameworks aim to assist both learners and educators in integrating AI into their work. Additionally, the newly adopted Global Digital Compact is designed to help humanity maintain control over AI’s development.
Mr. Guterres urged a commitment to keep humanity at the center of education systems everywhere.
Global Divide on AI Use
As AI becomes more common in education, countries differ in their approaches. Recent UNESCO data shows that in wealthier nations, more than two-thirds of secondary school students use generative AI tools in their studies. Yet, many educational professionals still lack clear guidelines for using these technologies.
A UNESCO survey from May 2023 found that only 10% of schools and universities have established frameworks for AI use. Meanwhile, many countries are imposing restrictions on technology in schools. Nearly 40% of nations have laws or policies banning mobile phones in classrooms, up from 24% just six months ago.
For insights on the challenges AI brings to schools, listen to a discussion with UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, Farida Shaheed, on UN News.
Access to Quality Education
International Day of Education reminds us that everyone deserves access to high-quality education. This access not only benefits individuals but strengthens whole communities. Unfortunately, millions of children are still out of school, facing barriers like gender, location, and conflict.
Despite significant progress, UNESCO reports that 251 million children and youths remain without schooling worldwide.
Creating Safe Learning Environments
According to a UNESCO study, about one in three students have been physically attacked at school, and one in ten have faced cyberbullying. Violence in schools can severely impact children’s well-being and education quality.
To understand what children need for safer schools, watch these learners share their thoughts here.
Photo: Children participate in an e-learning session at the Al Seniyaa internally displaced people’s gathering site in Port Sudan. © UNICEF/Ahmed Mohamdeen Elfatih
