ICHEI attended 2025 UNESCO Digital Learning Week
On September 2, 2025, the 2025 Digital Learning Week opened at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. Centered on the theme 'AI and the future of education: Disruptions, dilemmas and directions', the event brought together government representatives, educators, the private sector, youth groups, and other stakeholders from around the world. Its aim is to capture the pulse of AI in education and to reshape and realign the vision of education in the AI era. The delegation of UNESCO-ICHEI attended the event and participated in a series of activities.
Group Photo of the UNESCO-ICHEI Delegation
Leading the Educational Transformation Driven by AI & Co-Creating a New Blueprint for Education
At the opening ceremony, Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, emphasized that artificial intelligence is bringing about a fundamental transformation in the field of education, with an impact comparable to the invention of writing and the printing press. She called on all countries to uphold the core principles of human-centeredness, equity, safety, and ethics in actively addressing the reconstruction of education driven by AI.
Giannini outlined five priority directions: strengthening sustainable digital infrastructure; adhering to safety and ethical standards; reaffirming the pivotal role of teachers; ensuring diversity and inclusiveness in AI technologies; and fostering global cooperation and the co-construction of standards.
She stressed that policy choices will directly shape the future of education, and that leadership and foresight are essential to harness AI for empowering education and promoting inclusive, high-quality learning opportunities for all.
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| Event Opening Ceremony | Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education |
UNESCO released an anthology entitled 'AI and the future of education: Disruptions, dilemmas and directions.'
The publication provides an in-depth analysis of the profound impact of AI on education from the perspectives of philosophical reflection, ethical considerations, and pedagogical practice. Bringing together insights from global experts, this anthology aims to stimulate critical discussion and inspire innovative visions for human–AI collaboration.
《AI and the future of education: Disruptions, dilemmas and directions.》
Fostering Diverse Dialogue & Deepening Collaborative Partnerships
On September 3, NetDragon Websoft (hereinafter referred to as 'NetDragon') held a parallel session themed 'Bridging Learnings to Earnings using AI, Blockchain, and Web 3.0.' Representatives from governments, academia, industry, and international organizations gathered to discuss how policy innovation and cross-sector collaboration can drive the effective application of emerging technologies in education.
During the roundtable discussion, CAO Zian, Chief of the Global Partnership and Programme Office of UNESCO-ICHEI, shared the Center’s localized practices of promoting teachers’ digital and AI literacy through the IIOE Micro-Certification Project. He also looked ahead to deeper collaboration with NetDragon, aiming to leverage blockchain technologies to enhance learning credentials and build a trusted, open, and sustainable new ecosystem for teacher empowerment.
CAO Zian, Chief of the Global Partnership and Programme Office, UNESCO-ICHEI, participated in the roundtable discussion
Mona Abdel-Aal Elzahry, Director of Education Strategies and Research Center, Ain Shams University and Director of IIOE Egypt National Centre, introduced the model and achievements of advancing the Micro-Certification Project in collaboration with UNESCO-ICHEI in Egypt. She also explored future pathways to enhance the project’s quality and impact through the application of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and blockchain.
Mona Abdel-Aal Elzahry, Director of Education Strategies and Research Center, Ain Shams University; Director of IIOE Egypt National Centre
During the session, PAN Feng, Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, and CHEN Hong, Senior Vice President of NetDragon Websoft, signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement (supplementary agreement) on behalf of both parties. The agreement aims to further deepen collaboration in sharing vocational education course resources and implementing dual certification for course learning, jointly promoting the high-quality development of digital education.
PAN Feng, Deputy Director of UESCO-ICHEI (left) and CHEN Hong, Senior Vice President of NetDragon Websoft (right)
About Digital Learning Week
Digital Learning Week is UNESCO's annual flagship event, bringing together ministers of education, policymakers in education and technology, as well as leading scholars and practitioners in digital learning and artificial intelligence from around the world. The event serves as a platform to discuss critical topics such as the integration of technology into learning, related governance, and capacity building. It is the successor to 'Mobile Learning Week,' which had been held for over a decade.
