The UNESCO Office in Kathmandu organized a comprehensive stakeholder consultation on AI in Education in Nepal, bringing together over eighty participants to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the education sector. This initiative aligns with UNESCO’s mission to promote inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Globally, AI is revolutionizing education by personalizing learning experiences and addressing disparities in access to knowledge. For Nepal, advancing AI in education is crucial as the country strives to ensure quality education for all. The consultation marks a significant step for Nepal’s education system, aiming to integrate AI to prepare students for a future where technology and education are intertwined, thereby closing the education gap and promoting lifelong learning.
“Challenges such as data quality, accuracy, user competency, and AI ethics persist. With the rapid pace of ICT development globally, we must adapt to stay competitive. Integrating AI into our education curriculum to meet our needs and enhance our capacity to tackle future challenges is essential. This consultation will be invaluable in further improving the ICT in Education Masterplan,” said Baikuntha Prasad Aryal, Joint Secretary, Planning Division, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
The consultation brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, educators, tech experts, and students, to discuss AI’s role in Nepal’s education system. Guided by UNESCO’s “Artificial Intelligence and Education: Guidance for Policymakers,” they identified opportunities and challenges for effectively integrating AI into education.
Fengchun Miao, Chief of the Unit for Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Education at UNESCO, joined virtually to present UNESCO’s global initiatives. Miao highlighted opportunities, challenges, and implications of integrating AI in education, sharing impactful examples of UNESCO’s work on AI globally to set the stage for discussions.
The goal was to engage in a meaningful dialogue about the future of AI in education in Nepal, ensuring all perspectives are considered in shaping an inclusive and equitable educational framework integrating technology. Participants provided insightful recommendations on priority areas, the roles of stakeholders, including the government, and the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and robust policies and regulations. These insights will help develop strategic action plans in partnership with the Ministry of Education to foster an inclusive, AI-enhanced educational framework in Nepal.
“We all understand why we need to talk more about AI, especially in education, but also it is time for a structured approach to that conversation. Today your inputs will help set the foundation for a more informed approach moving forward, with a view to putting in place strategies and sequence,” said Michael Croft, UNESCO Representative to Nepal.
Through collaborative discussions, stakeholders recommended strategies for integrating AI in education, promoting inclusivity, and developing policies to regulate AI use. This consultation aims to lay the foundation for strategic action plans that will transform Nepal’s education system, preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital world. This consultation marks a critical step towards harnessing AI’s potential to enhance educational outcomes in Nepal.