Recent News | UNESCO

UNESCO-Backed Islamabad Education Conference Set

The Islamabad Education Conference is set to bring together over 150 international dignitaries from 44 countries, including ministers, ambassadors, scholars, and representatives from organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and the World Bank. The conference aims to promote education for girls and pave the way for inclusive educational reforms in Muslim-majority countries. Pakistani Federal Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized the importance of education, stating that Pakistan is still lagging behind in terms of education and employment, and expressed a desire to learn from Afghan society's traditions. The conference will conclude with a signing ceremony of the Islamabad Declaration, outlining a shared commitment to empower girls through education.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1270357-nobel-laureate-malala-yousafzai-to-attend-girls-education-summit-in-pakistan

Pakistan Hosts Global Girls' Education Summit

Pakistan is hosting an international education conference that will bring together over 150 dignitaries from 44 countries and several international organizations, including UNESCO, UNICEF, and the World Bank. The event aims to promote girls' education and inclusive educational reforms in Muslim-majority countries. Pakistan's Federal Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stated that the conference will be attended by all four provincial education ministers as well as the chief ministers. The conference will conclude with a signing ceremony of the Islamabad Declaration, which outlines the shared commitment to empower girls through education. Notably, Malala Yousafzai, a prominent advocate for girls' education, visited Pakistan in 2022 and has been invited to participate in the conference.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/584350-malala-yousafzai-to-visit-pakistan-for-girls-education-conference

December 31, 2024

Huawei's DigiSchool Connects Morocco Schools

The Moroccan government, in partnership with Huawei, has implemented the DigiSchool program to promote digitalization and equity in education. The program was showcased by a delegation of officials from the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education, and Sports, who visited students who had developed solutions using technology. The success of DigiSchool supports Morocco's commitment to digitalization and inclusion in education, and is part of Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative, which aims to promote digital inclusion through partnerships with organizations such as UNESCO and government ministries. The program has been implemented in several countries including Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Chile, and China, connecting remote schools to the internet and enhancing the digital skills of students and teachers.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huawei-e-il-governo-del-marocco-promuovono-la-trasformazione-dellistruzione-nazionale-attraverso-il-progetto-digischool-302340304.html

December 30, 2024

Huawei Partners with Morocco on DigiSchool 2024

The Moroccan government has successfully implemented the DigiSchool 2024 program as part of its efforts to digitize education and promote equity. This initiative aligns with Huawei's TECH4ALL program, a global digital inclusion plan that aims to bridge the digital divide through partnerships with organizations such as UNESCO and Close the Gap. As part of this effort, Huawei is also implementing DigiSchool projects in several countries including Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Chile, and China, connecting remote schools to the internet and enhancing digital skills for students and teachers.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/12/30/tmt-newswire/pr-newswire/huawei-and-moroccan-government-boost-national-education-transformation-through-digischool-project/2028347

December 15, 2024

UNESCO's Manos Antoninis Warns on EdTech Inequality

UNESCO's Manos Antoninis has expressed concerns that the rapid rollout of technology in education during the pandemic has increased inequality and worsened learning outcomes. He cited issues with companies using data for commercial purposes, deploying biased algorithms, and prioritizing profits over educational outcomes. Despite this, some countries such as Britain and South Korea are continuing to invest in generative AI in education, with initiatives like a homework app called Sparx Maths and a national education platform in China. However, on-the-ground realities often reveal challenges, such as limited access to technology in India, where teacher Vandana Pandey reported that many students had no smartphones or connectivity at home. Educators are also questioning the effectiveness of AI in education, with some arguing that it can create more problems than it solves and that personalization through AI may not be the best approach.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/americas/schools-targeted-with-ai-learning-apps-despite-experts-doubts

UNESCO, Huawei Partner on Global STEM Initiative

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) presented its strategies to promote equity and quality in education globally at the TECH4ALL forum. The organization's STEM strategy aims to support member states in promoting STEM education by building a solid ecosystem that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovation. UNESCO is working with Huawei to revitalize STEM education in Europe and equip future generations with STEM skills. As part of its TECH4ALL initiative, Huawei has partnered with various organizations, including governments, NGOs, and universities, to promote digital inclusion and sustainability. The initiative has already reached 6,000 people in 31 cities through the DigiTruck project, which provides digital skills training to priority communities, including the elderly and young job seekers.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/linitiative-tech4all-de-huawei-elargit-son-role-dans-la-transformation-numerique-et-ecologique-de-leurope-302314484.html

UNESCO's Giannini Touts Vocational Education Impact

The World Vocational Education Conference was held to promote vocational education globally through six key initiatives. The event featured a comprehensive conference, a global alliance of educational institutions and industries, an international skills competition with 42 tracks, and the launch of a journal produced by Tianjin University of Technology and Education. UNESCO's assistant director-general Stefania Giannini highlighted vocational education as a catalyst for transformation, emphasizing its role in driving change and meeting global challenges. China's minister of education Huai Jinpeng outlined a vision for "5I" education - Inclusive, Industry-oriented, Innovative, Intelligent, and International - to serve all and drive innovation.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-focus-on-vocational-education-at-tianjin-conference-302313972.html