UN Secretary-General : AI Should Enhance Education, Not Replace Human Elements
Artificial intelligence must enable learners and teachers to access information, cutting-edge educational programs, and must never replace the essential human components of learning, according to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
“We must ensure that artificial intelligence enables learners and teachers to access information, advanced educational programs, and other learning tools,” said Guterres ahead of International Education Day, which is celebrated on January 24 each year, emphasizing that AI “must never replace the essential human components of learning.”
“Today, the rapid evolution of technology—such as artificial intelligence—offers immense opportunities to support learners of all ages throughout their journey,” he added, but also warned that “these significant gains come with formidable risks.”
For the UN chief, as AI-based systems become more powerful, “the gap between human intent and the impacts of automated actions could widen.”
The theme of this year’s International Education Day will focus on “AI and Education: Preserving Autonomy in an Automated World,” proposing a reflection on the power of education to enable individuals and communities to navigate, understand, and influence technological progress.
In this regard, Mr. Guterres calls for ensuring that all users are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to use this technology intelligently, “with a focus on safety and ethics.”
He also reminded that the Global Digital Pact, adopted in September 2024, “includes other essential measures to ensure that humanity retains control over the development and governance of artificial intelligence, rather than losing it to AI.”
