The International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners, organized by the African Union Commission in collaboration with UNESCO, successfully concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 30 to October 2, 2024. The event, held under the theme 'Transforming Knowledge for Africa's Future', focused on the essential role of education in driving sustainable development across Africa.
Representatives from various global and regional educational institutions, policymakers, and thought leaders gathered to explore strategies for improving education across the continent. The forum emphasized the importance of innovative approaches, particularly in integrating technology into education. One of the key participants in the event was DFRobot, a global leader in STEM education and technology, represented by its Chief Marketing Officer, Qian Zhang.
On October 2, Zhang took part in a round table discussion titled 'Transforming Future African Education through Responsible and Human-Centered AIED'. The session gathered experts from the UNESCO Chairs network to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education. Topics ranged from improving infrastructure to addressing socio-economic disparities and data privacy issues.
During the discussion, Zhang offered insights from multiple angles, focusing on enhancing educational quality and inclusivity through AI. She emphasized the need to introduce foundational AI courses in African schools, particularly those that can be taught with minimal equipment. "DFRobot has developed an affordable single-board computer, Unihiker, which allows students to experience AI firsthand, code simple programs, and see robots respond through Python programming", Zhang explained. She drew on examples from China, where AI has been successfully integrated into classrooms, enabling students to engage directly with advanced technology.
Zhang highlighted DFRobot’s commitment to creating equitable educational opportunities, regardless of geographic or economic constraints. She introduced the Boson Kit, a no-programming-required AI learning tool, designed to empower students in regions with limited internet access. "By leveraging AI, we can tailor learning experiences to meet individual needs and ensure that every child, regardless of their location or background, has the opportunity to explore the world of AI", Zhang said, underlining DFRobot’s mission to bridge the education gap.
The conversation also touched on significant challenges such as data privacy and ethical considerations in AI adoption. Zhang stressed the importance of cross-country collaboration, noting that successful integration of AI in education would require a global effort. "It's not just about sharing ideas; it's about sharing solutions", she said. "DFRobot is eager to partner with educational institutions, governments, and NGOs to create a global network of support and innovation".
The forum as a whole focused on how diverse future scenarios could impact Africa’s research and innovation ecosystems. It sought to enhance collaboration between higher education institutions, global partners, and governments, as well as improve access to education for marginalized communities. Discussions also revolved around the role of education in creating a skilled workforce capable of navigating the digital future.
The International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners was deemed a success, laying the foundation for stronger global cooperation in advancing education and fostering AI-driven innovation across Africa.
