As the world enters a critical era of digital transformation, public institutions are increasingly challenged to modernize their services while safeguarding human rights, transparency, and inclusivity. However, many governments lack the digital competencies, infrastructure, and regulatory coherence needed to fully unlock artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for public good.
To bridge this gap, UNESCO has launched a powerful initiative aimed at building ethical, inclusive AI capacity within the public sector. UNESCO’s Global AI Training for the Public Sector, a six-week international training course completed in February 2025, has trained government officials from 31 countries to harness the potential of AI in transforming public services.
The Urgency of Digital Transformation in Governance
Modern governance is increasingly dependent on digital tools, yet limited skills, aging infrastructure, and fragmented legal frameworks hinder progress. These systemic issues limit governments’ ability to deliver responsive, transparent, and efficient services. AI offers transformative potential—from streamlining administrative processes to improving service delivery and engaging citizens more directly.
However, without ethical oversight, AI can also deepen inequality, infringe on privacy, or exacerbate bias. Hence, building internal capacity grounded in human rights, ethics, and governance is essential.
UNESCO’s Response: A Comprehensive AI Learning Journey
Led by Prateek Sibal, Programme Specialist at UNESCO, and Dr. Sebastian Drosselmeier, the six-week training provided a structured, multidisciplinary curriculum to help public officials understand AI’s technical, ethical, and strategic dimensions.
Key Modules of the Training:
- Introduction to AI in the Public Sector
- Challenges of digital transformation
- Strategic procurement
- Global geopolitics of AI
- AI Fundamentals
- Types of AI systems
- Project management life cycles
- Data readiness
- Public Service Design and AI
- Human-centered design thinking
- Inclusive service delivery
- AI Governance
- Ethical frameworks and regulation
- Societal impact assessment tools
- Hands-On Project Practice
- Collaborative AI solutions
- Localized application strategies
Each module translated complex theory into practical application, empowering participants to design innovative services tailored to their national contexts.
Expert Faculty and Global Thought Leadership
Participants benefited from sessions led by international experts:
- Dr. Miriam Stankovich: Explored the geopolitical dynamics of AI.
- Dr. Ilaria Mariani: Guided human-centered service design approaches.
- Dr. Helen Titilola Olojede: Emphasized institutional ethics in decision-making.
- Soizic Pénicaud: Presented governance frameworks and impact assessment methods.
These voices ensured participants received a multidimensional perspective on AI adoption, bridging technological innovation with governance, ethics, and design.
Diverse, Inclusive Participation from Across the Globe
The training drew civil servants from ministries, parliaments, and regulatory agencies across diverse geographic regions. A strong emphasis on gender inclusion was reflected in the fact that 55% of participants were women.
Regional Representation Highlights:
- Africa: 45% of all participants
- Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East: Remaining 55%, fostering global peer learning
This diversity is pivotal to UNESCO’s mission of inclusive capacity-building. It aligns closely with UNESCO’s Global Priority Africa policy and supports the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy, which champions ethical and rights-based AI deployment across the continent.
Tangible Outcomes and Transformational Impact
Participants emerged with actionable knowledge and tailored strategies to initiate change within their respective institutions. Many reported that the program had transformed their understanding of AI’s role in governance.
Participant Feedback:
“The hands-on exercises and real-world case studies effectively demonstrated practical applications of AI in public services. Expert-led discussions were invaluable in providing insights into ethical and efficient integration.”
Armed with new tools, frameworks, and confidence, alumni are expected to champion projects that:
- Leverage AI to automate bureaucratic workflows
- Design citizen-centric digital platforms
- Implement responsible data policies
- Develop legal frameworks for ethical AI deployment
Institutional Legacy and Educational Foundations
This initiative builds upon the success of the AI4Gov Master Programme, originally funded by the European Union and hosted by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Politecnico di Milano. UNESCO’s Global AI Training expands this approach with a broader, more inclusive global mandate.
Supported through the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, the 2025 edition was offered free of charge to selected participants, ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning.
Scaling for the Future: UNESCO’s Broader AI in Governance Strategy
UNESCO’s training is part of a larger strategic vision: the Programme on AI for the Public Sector, launched in 2021. This program supports governments globally in adopting AI in a manner that is transparent, efficient, rights-based, and inclusive.
Key Milestones:
- 2022: Release of the Digital Competency Framework
- Documented in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation: Competencies for Civil Servants
- Adopted by governments in Nigeria, Rwanda, India, and EU institutions
Upcoming Initiatives Include:
- A Global MOOC on Digital Transformation and AI
- Repository of AI Tools for the Public Sector
- Country-level and regional trainings in 2025
These resources aim to provide scalable, multilingual support for civil servants, from basic digital literacy to advanced AI implementation strategies.
The Way Forward: From Knowledge to Action
UNESCO’s Global AI Training has proven that with the right education, civil servants can become champions of AI for public good. By integrating AI into governance structures responsibly, governments can:
- Enhance administrative efficiency
- Promote transparency
- Expand civic engagement
- Ensure equitable access to services
Most importantly, UNESCO’s model prioritizes human dignity and social inclusion, ensuring that AI becomes a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
Conclusion: UNESCO’s Role in Shaping Ethical AI Governance
With its Global AI Training for the Public Sector, UNESCO has taken a landmark step in ensuring that the transformative potential of AI is used ethically and inclusively. As alumni return to their home countries equipped with new knowledge and networks, the ripple effect of this initiative will be felt across ministries, municipalities, and parliaments worldwide.
Through its ongoing commitment to human rights-based digital transformation, UNESCO continues to lead global efforts in democratizing AI, building resilient institutions, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
Stay tuned for future training opportunities and updates by visiting UNESCO’s official portal or signing up for their AI governance newsletter.