Thought leadership

Billions of dollars in annual global EdTech investment are not yet producing meaningful learning outcomes at scale. UNICEF is shaping a unified global agenda for digital education through positioning and thought leadership on critical global issues and the setting of global standards – including through the Gateways Initiative and EdTech for Good Framework – ensuring investments are safer, more inclusive and evidence-based.

Insufficient use of data and research-based insights leads to misallocated investments, ineffective strategies, and potentially detrimental impacts on learning outcomes and child wellbeing. The absence of clear global minimum standards leads to inconsistent practices, insufficient attention to online safety and privacy risks, and missed opportunities to fully realise the benefits of technology for children.  

Focus areas

• Developing and advocating UNICEF's position on critical global issues: closing the digital divide, online safety, powering schools with renewable energy, responsible AI in education, device usage limits for children, and accessible solutions for children with disabilities
• Requiring all UNICEF digital education activities to pass the EdTech for Good review before scaling — including evidence of impact, online safety, data protection, scalability in low-resource contexts, and a clear sustainability and exit strategy
• Publishing rigorous research on AI, digital education and EdTech
• Convening global innovators, technology implementers, government representatives, and researchers