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HomeUNESCO Read & Earn Federation –  UNESCO REF Impact Journal and Stories

Over 60,000 Youth to benefit from UNESCO REF’s (SIP) X2 Partnership

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Digital Technology Capacity Building – Special Intervention Program (SIP X2)

In recognition of the urgent need to bridge the gap in artificial intelligence (AI) awareness and skills among young people, UNESCO REF, in partnership with leading global experts, has launched the Digital Technology Capacity Building (DTCB) – Special Intervention Program (SIP X2). This pioneering initiative is designed to engage more than 60,000 youths annually, equipping them with the knowledge, competencies, and support required to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

The program will address the societal and human rights implications of AI, acknowledging that responsible adoption of emerging technologies can only be achieved through collaborative, multi-stakeholder engagement. SIP X2 will curate expert knowledge across disciplines, ensuring that participants gain both technical proficiency and ethical awareness.

Through structured training, SIP X2 will provide young people with modern digital literacy and AI-related skills, exposing them to the latest developments in the field and preparing them for diverse career opportunities within the global digital economy. The program emphasizes not only employability but also the importance of ethical responsibility, ensuring that participants are equipped to navigate challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the broader societal impacts of AI.

In an era where technology is reshaping the way societies live, work, and communicate, it is imperative that youth are empowered with the tools to participate meaningfully and responsibly. SIP X2 represents a strategic step toward building an inclusive and equitable digital future, while simultaneously preparing nations with a new generation of skilled AI practitioners.

This initiative will provide participants with access to learning resources, mentorship, and opportunities previously unavailable, positioning them at the forefront of innovation and ensuring that they contribute to sustainable development goals through responsible digital engagement.

UNESCO announces open registration for new online course on AI and the Rule of Law

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Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law: A Global Training Initiative

Judicial systems worldwide are increasingly adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support legal practitioners in identifying precedents, streamline judicial processes, and assist judges in decision-making related to sentencing and recidivism. While these applications hold promise for efficiency and innovation, they also raise profound implications for human rights, particularly where the opacity of AI systems may challenge the principles of open justice, due process, and the rule of law.

To strengthen capacity in this critical area, UNESCO, in partnership with The Future Society (TFS), has launched a joint online training program on Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law. The course was formally introduced on 6 December 2021 at The Athens Roundtable, the premier international, multi-stakeholder forum on AI, legal systems, regulatory compliance, and governance.

Marielza Oliveira, Director in UNESCO’s Communications and Information Sector, emphasized that the societal and human rights impacts of AI demand collective action: “The online course on AI and the Rule of Law is an effort in this direction, with 21 speakers from 14 countries sharing their unique knowledge and experience.”

Nicolas Miailhe, President and Founder of TFS, highlighted the program’s strategic importance: “The course aims to build capacity across judicial stakeholders worldwide so they can be better equipped to navigate AI’s opportunities as well as manage the risks. This is crucial for the responsible adoption of AI.”

Benes Aldana, President of the National Judicial College (United States), reinforced the urgency of early engagement: “The legitimacy of judicial decisions in democratic societies depends on public acceptance of their fairness. It is important for the judiciary to begin early on to build capacity to deal with these rapidly evolving technologies. The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a valuable resource in training judicial operators globally.”

Developed in collaboration with Cetic.br|NIC.br, the National Judicial College (NJC), and IEEE SA, the course engages participants in a timely global dialogue on AI’s application in justice systems. Structured around six introductory modules, participants will explore:

•  Why AI matters for justice

•  How AI can be responsibly adopted within judicial systems worldwide

•  What AI means for human rights

•  The evolving role of judicial operators in the age of AI

The program is offered in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Portuguese, ensuring broad accessibility. Hosted by the National Judicial College, the course commenced on 14 March 2022 and runs for six weeks, after which it remains available online for self-directed learning. Participants who complete all six modules will receive a Certificate of Course Completion.

This initiative is supported by the Open Society Foundations and the UNESCO Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP), underscoring the shared commitment to advancing judicial capacity, safeguarding human rights, and ensuring the responsible integration of AI into justice systems worldwide.

 

UNESCO designates 8 new Global Geoparks

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UNESCO Expands Global Geoparks Network with Eight New Designations

The UNESCO Executive Board has approved the designation of eight new UNESCO Global Geoparks, bringing the total number of sites in the Global Geoparks Network to 177 across 46 countries. With this expansion, Luxembourg and Sweden join the Network for the first time, marking their entry into the global community of geoparks.

The UNESCO Global Geopark label, unanimously ratified by Member States in 2015, recognizes geological heritage of international significance. These sites showcase extraordinary geological diversity that underpins the biological and cultural richness of their regions. By combining the conservation of unique geological heritage with public education and sustainable development, geoparks serve as catalysts for local community empowerment and global knowledge exchange.

With the latest designations, the Network now spans a surface area of 370,662 km², comparable to the size of Japan, reinforcing its role as a truly global initiative.

This year’s new designations include two geoparks in Latin America and six in Europe. While COVID‑19 restrictions prevented the evaluation of new applications from Asia, Africa, and the Arab region, several projects are currently underway to expand the Network into these regions in the near future.

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