More than 25 education ministers and representatives met in Paris this week. They signed a joint statement about artificial intelligence in schools.
The statement was presented on September 8 at UNESCO Headquarters. It happened during Digital Learning Week 2026.
The event's theme was "Education in the age of AI: Facts, Frictions, Frontiers." Over 1,500 people attended in person. Thousands more joined online.
The group included ministers, tech industry representatives, teachers, and students. They discussed how AI is changing classrooms around the world.
What the Statement Says
The ministers agreed that education should stay a human right. They said it should also remain a common good, even as AI use grows.
The statement notes that AI is changing how students think. It also affects how teachers make decisions and how learning gets graded.
Officials said AI can help students learn and expand access to education. But they said this only works with proper oversight, teacher support, and preparation.
The statement also says AI should not replace human relationships in the classroom. Teachers still need to use their own judgment, according to the document.
Qun Chen, UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Education, said the statement is about protecting public interest. She said decisions on AI in classrooms should involve public input and accountability.
Eight Priorities for Action
The ministers listed eight goals in the statement. These include making AI systems open to public review, even when offered for free.
Another goal is helping students build critical thinking skills instead of relying on AI to do the work for them. The statement points to UNESCO's AI Competency Frameworks as a tool for this.
Teachers should also have a say in which AI tools enter their classrooms, the statement says. It stresses that AI should support teachers, not replace them.
The ministers also called for age appropriate AI tools. They said families and schools should be able to pause or stop AI use when needed.
Data protection was also listed as a priority. The statement says students and teachers should have rights over their own data.
The final priorities focus on cost, equity, and shared governance. Ministers said countries should favor open systems that let them change course later if needed.
Survey Results Released
UNESCO also released a survey on AI in higher education during the event. It was given to UNESCO Chairs around the world.
The survey found 93% of academics believe students use AI to complete assignments. Another 63% said they have noticed a drop in students' thinking skills.
Most respondents said they support limited AI use with disclosure. Less than 1% wanted a full ban, while only 2% supported unrestricted use.
Two thirds of respondents said guidelines from their professional groups would be useful.
What Happens Next
UNESCO has worked on AI and education policy since 2021. That year, its 194 member states adopted the first global ethics framework for AI.
The group has since trained educators in over 100 countries. It has also helped 58 countries build their own AI training programs.
Following this week's event, UNESCO will collect public comments on its new working paper about AI governance in schools. The input will shape policy briefs due out at the next Digital Learning Week in March 2027.
