UNESCO to Hold International Seminar on AI and Future

UNESCO is set to host an international seminar in Paris examining how artificial intelligence and rapid technological change are reshaping education, with Qatar participating through the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will hold an international seminar at its headquarters in Paris to discuss the future of education and the role of teachers and education practitioners in shaping policies amid the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and digital technology.

Qatar will participate in the seminar through the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), highlighting the country’s involvement in international discussions on responsible AI use, inclusive education and educational innovation.

Two-Day Seminar Focuses on Education in the AI Era

The two-day seminar is being organised by UNESCO in collaboration with the International Forum of Inclusion Practitioners (IFIP).

According to QNA, discussions will focus on several major areas shaping the future of education, including:

•   Artificial intelligence in education
•   Inclusive education
•   Skills development
•   Vocational education and training
•   Educational innovation
•   Stronger cooperation between teachers, school leaders and policymakers

The gathering aims to ensure that educators and practitioners have a stronger voice in global conversations about how education systems should respond to technological change.

Teachers to Have Greater Role in Policymaking

One of the seminar’s main objectives is to strengthen the participation of teachers, school leaders and educational institutions in international education policymaking.

Organisers want to create stronger links between practical classroom experience and decisions made at the policy level.

The seminar will therefore explore ways to establish an international framework that gives education practitioners more regular representation in global forums.

The goal is to ensure that future education policies are informed not only by governments and technology experts, but also by professionals directly involved in teaching and learning.

Association for World Education Framework Discussed

The Association for World Education (AWE) initiative is expected to feature prominently in discussions.

The initiative proposes a framework through which education leaders and organisations could gain greater representation in international education debates and decision-making.

Such a mechanism could help policymakers better understand how new technologies, including artificial intelligence, affect students, teachers and schools in real-world settings.

Responsible AI Use a Major Priority

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of classrooms, universities and digital learning platforms around the world.

AI-powered tools can assist with personalised learning, lesson planning, translation, accessibility and administrative tasks.

At the same time, governments and educators are facing questions surrounding:

•   Accuracy of AI-generated information
•   Academic integrity
•   Student privacy
•   Algorithmic bias
•   Teacher training
•   Dependence on automated systems
•   The future role of teachers

The UNESCO seminar will contribute to discussions on how AI can be introduced into education responsibly and ethically, while maintaining the importance of human judgment and professional expertise.

UNESCO Calls for Education to Remain a Common Good

The seminar comes during a period of intense international debate over the role of AI in education.

At UNESCO’s Digital Learning Week 2026, more than 25 education ministers and designated representatives adopted a joint statement calling for education to remain a human right and a common good in the age of AI.

UNESCO has said that many education systems are struggling to respond to rapidly evolving AI technologies because regulatory frameworks, institutional capacity and understanding of the risks have not always developed at the same pace.

This has increased pressure on governments to establish clearer rules and safeguards for AI use in schools and universities.

AI Is Already Transforming Learning

UNESCO’s latest work on the future of education highlights how algorithms and artificial intelligence are already influencing how knowledge is created, assessed and accessed.

Its 2026 publication “The Algorithm in the Room” raises questions about learner autonomy, critical thinking, assessment, public accountability and who ultimately controls AI systems used in education.

The organisation argues that education systems should actively shape how AI is used rather than simply reacting to technologies developed elsewhere.

Qatar’s Participation Reflects Focus on Future Education

Qatar’s participation through MOEHE comes as the country continues to expand its focus on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and future-ready education.

Institutions across Qatar have increasingly been exploring how emerging technologies can support teaching while maintaining high standards of academic integrity and responsible use.

Qatar National Library also recently hosted a forum examining how AI is changing learning, including the role of adaptive technologies and the importance of protecting critical thinking.

Participation in the UNESCO seminar gives Qatar another platform to contribute to international conversations about how education systems should adapt to technological change.

Practical Recommendations Expected

The seminar is expected to produce practical proposals relating to:

•   Inclusive education
•   Responsible technology and AI use
•   Skills development
•   Vocational training
•   Educational innovation
•   Greater practitioner participation in policymaking

Rather than focusing only on theoretical discussions, organisers aim to connect international policymaking with experiences from classrooms and educational institutions.

The Bottom Line

UNESCO’s international seminar on AI and the future of education will bring together educators, institutional leaders and policymakers to examine how education systems can respond to rapid technological transformation.

With Qatar participating through the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the discussions will focus on ensuring that teachers and education practitioners have a stronger voice in shaping policies around AI, inclusion, skills and innovation.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in education, the challenge will be to harness its potential while ensuring that teachers, learners and the public interest remain at the centre of educational decision-making.