Science & Technology

Strategic investments in digital infrastructure, community learning hubs, and public-private partnerships are essential to provide all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, with equal access to high-quality education and achieve equitable and inclusive digital education.

The upsurge in harmful digital practices targeting children raise concerns about the adequacy of protective measures under the ACRWC, and whether African youngsters are efficiently safeguarded. Recently adopted frameworks have been introduced to address these gaps and improve protection.

Addressing the systemic exploitation of teachers in the Philippines and Cambodia is essential for realising the full potential of educational technology. Only by dismantling the oppressive structures that overburden and underpay educators we can ensure equitable and effective education for all students.

The integration of GenAI in education raises significant human rights concerns. Any information input into the platform, including personal information, is used as training data for the model. This practice risks infringing on the right to privacy and the right to data protection. Quality of education is also impacted by GenAI accuracy concerns and misinformation, undermining the right to education.

The Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances published a report on how new technologies can benefit or hinder the investigation of cases of enforced disappearances. Undoubtedly, new technologies will shape how the issue of missing people in Latin America is addressed.

In the MENA region, the pronounced gender digital divide hinders women's socio-economic equality. To prevent women from becoming second-class citizens in technology, a human rights-based approach to educational technology and changes in educational systems and cultural norms are needed.

Low-income and rural students in Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine have faced notable challenges during the transition to digital education. Government responses to these obstacles, often falling short, show the need for improved strategies and international support to ensure equitable access to quality education.

The debate over the ‘right of access to the internet’ remains contentious among scholars, yet numerous countries have enshrined it as a means to bridge the digital divide, particularly in education. In Africa, while such initiatives are still lacking, notable progress has been achieved.

The deepening digital divide in the Philippines and Cambodia is scrutinised to highlight its impact on educational inequities exacerbated by COVID-19. There is an urgent need for structural reforms that goes beyond posturing and techno-related solutions to ensure equitable access to quality education.

The AI Act, an EU regulation effective from August 2024, emphasises protecting human rights by ensuring AI transparency, safety, and ethical standards. It mandates clear labelling of AI-generated content to prevent misinformation and protect privacy. Educational institutions using AI, like ChatGPT, must comply, safeguarding students' rights and fostering ethical AI integration.