LONDON – Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, says Friday’s observance of International Day of Education provides an opportunity to reflect on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of education.
Patricia ScotlandThe Day is being observed under the Theme “AI and Education: Human Agency in an Automated World,” and Scotland said that this is an area the Commonwealth, a grouping of 56 countries, spread across every continent and ocean in the world, has been passionate about for some years.
“Our Commonwealth, with its diverse member states, stands together at the forefront of this digital revolution, leveraging AI to bridge educational gaps, foster innovation, and empower the next generation.”
She sai that emerging technologies like AI are driving rapid digital transformation with an enormous impact on the global economy and jobs across the Commonwealth and that keeping up has never been so vital.
“AI empowers young people by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving digital world. The Commonwealth AI Academy does this by offering free, comprehensive online courses that have been designed by experts to build foundational AI skills.”
Scotland said that by fostering digital literacy and promoting ethical, human-centred AI practices, the Commonwealth is preparing the next generation to lead with integrity and innovation.
She said she is incredibly proud of the partnership with the Nigeria government in making AI literacy available to young students and civil servants.
“In many of our member countries access to quality education remains a significant challenge. AI offers a beacon of hope, providing innovative solutions to bridge these gaps and challenges.
“Through adaptive learning technologies, AI can tailor educational content to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that no learner is left behind. This personalised approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also fosters a more inclusive educational environment”
Scotland said AI isn’t just a tool for bridging gap, bu also a catalyst for innovation.
“We’ve created the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC) to help deliver our ongoing commitment to harness human-centered AI. Through our collaborative partnerships with governments, industries, and academia, we are actively driving innovation that transforms traditional educational models at speed.
“AI-powered tools, such as intelligent tutoring systems and virtual classrooms, are revolutionising the way we can teach and learn, making education more engaging and accessible.”
Scotland said she is urging countries to use the International Day of Education to reaffirm their commitment to leveraging AI for educational excellence.
“The Commonwealth is dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education. By embracing AI, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all,” she added.