Un Urges Member States To Safeguard Human Elements In Education Amid Ai Advancements
— written by Sanju on Jan. 28, 2025, 5:28 p.m.
The United Nations (UN) has issued a strong call to member states, emphasizing the importance of preserving essential human elements in education as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into learning systems.
This caution was highlighted during the commemoration of the International Day of Education on January 24, celebrated under the theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Agency in the World of Automation.”
The UN underscored the transformative potential of AI in education but warned against overlooking its risks. “Unlocking the power of AI depends on keeping human agency — and human rights — at the heart of this rapidly-evolving technology,” the organization stated. It noted that as AI systems grow more powerful, there is a risk of misalignment between human intentions and machine-driven impacts.
Education, the UN emphasized, is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for individual and societal growth. It stressed that while AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance learning by providing access to information, innovative curricula, and advanced tools, education systems must prioritize humanity over automation.
To address these challenges, the UN pointed to the recently adopted Global Digital Compact, which outlines actionable steps to ensure that humanity retains control over the development and governance of AI technologies. The compact serves as a guide for countries to maintain ethical and human-centered approaches to AI implementation.
The UN further urged governments to commit to keeping humanity at the core of their educational systems, ensuring that AI assists rather than replaces educators and learners. It outlined the need for all users, including students and teachers, to have the necessary tools and knowledge to use AI technology smartly, safely, and ethically.
While acknowledging AI's potential to support students of all ages in their learning journeys, the UN highlighted that meaningful implementation requires equal access and comprehensive digital literacy. This will empower users to leverage AI for education while preserving the unique human qualities of creativity, empathy, and critical thinking that technology cannot replicate.
In this age of automation, the UN’s message is clear: education must remain a space where human values and agency thrive.
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