Education Ministry signs deal with UNESCO to guide responsible AI use in schools

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has joined forces with Mexico's Public Education Ministry (SEP) to oversee the responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the nation's schools. The signing of a memorandum of understanding took place recently at Mexico City's historic Muralism Museum, the original headquarters of SEP.

Education Minister Mario Delgado Carrillo and UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Arthur Brito, inked the letter of intent during the signing ceremony. The agreement is poised to guide the digital transformation of Mexico's education system while ensuring the safe and inclusive use of AI in classrooms.

Delgado highlighted the rapid growth of digital platforms and the need to comprehend their impact on students' well-being. He expressed concern about the algorithms used by these platforms, which can exploit users' habits to present attention-grabbing content, often extended in duration. "This situation is particularly sensitive for younger generations, so we must act responsibly to protect their well-being and ensure a healthy educational environment," he added.

The collaboration between UNESCO and SEP will involve technical assistance, exchange of international experiences, specialized studies, and teacher, student, and education official training. The primary objective is to incorporate new technologies as a supportive tool for learning, rather than as a replacement for teaching, critical thinking, or social interaction within the school community.

For UNESCO, Arthur emphasized that technology should serve people and education, not the other way around. She stressed that the human relationship between students, critical thinking, creativity, dialogue, and the social dimension of learning cannot be replaced by technology. Consequently, UNESCO will provide its expertise and knowledge on technology, education, and the ethics of artificial intelligence to the SEP and the broader education sector.

The scope of the agreement will depend on the Education Ministry's implementation of its provisions. However, the challenge will lie in integrating AI without replacing teaching, ensuring it strengthens public education and preserves the central role of the school community.