Beyond digital as usual
An equity-driven, human-centred digital and AI strategy for learning
UNICEF and our strategic partners are articulating a new vision to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), educational technology (EdTech) and other innovative approaches through our new Digital Education Strategy. The "Beyond Digital as Usual" strategy focuses on teacher empowerment, foundational learning, skills and competencies, systems strengthening and thought leadership.
It represents a paradigm shift in how we approach technology in education. We are moving beyond fragmented pilots to coordinated, strategic interventions that add real value by breaking down barriers and accelerating learning.
UNICEF’s role is to act as a trusted systems partner, convenor and catalyst, accompanying governments and partners to scale evidence-based solutions responsibly.
The initial phase of the strategy will scale innovative, AI and EdTech-enabled teaching and learning programmes across 18 countries: Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, India, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Pakistan, Philippines, Sudan, Tanzania and Ukraine.
#BeyondDigitalAsUsual
The Beyond Digital as Usual campaign is designed to mobilize partners around a single, compelling idea: that technology in education is only transformative when it is human-centred, evidence-based and equity-driven.
Humanity first
Technology is a means, not an end. Every digital solution UNICEF deploys is designed around children's rights, teachers' needs, and communities' realities. We put people before platforms.
Evidence-based innovation
UNICEF is moving beyond fragmented pilots to coordinated, strategic interventions – applying the best available evidence of what works in digital education and building new evidence as we go.
Bridging digital divides
The campaign has a particular focus on gender, disability, linguistic and geographic digital divides – reaching children in school, out of school, in conflict zones and humanitarian crises.
Teachers at the centre
No digital solution works without the educators who use it. UNICEF empowers teachers to shape, co-design, and integrate technology into their teaching – not the other way around.
Systems strengthening
True digital transformation happens at the system level. UNICEF works with governments to build national Information and Communications Technology (ICT) plans, data infrastructure, sustainable financing and interoperable platforms that outlast any single project.
Measurable impact
All UNICEF digital education activities are anchored in five core pillars: empowering teachers, foundational learning, competencies and skills development, strengthening systems, and thought leadership.
Government leadership and sustainability
Digital transformation of education is most effective when embedded in national systems. UNICEF's funding is catalytic – designed to support country-led priorities and build the foundations for long-term government ownership.
Catalytic partnerships
Investments in digital education are designed to unlock wider system change. UNICEF supports partners to demonstrate scalable models that governments and additional funders can adopt, finance and expand.
With a cornerstone investment from the Government of Finland, and in collaboration with national governments, private-sector companies, public donors, civil society and other partners, the initial phase of the strategy will scale innovative, AI and EdTech-enabled teaching and learning programmes across 18 countries. Alongside the strategy, Google for Education is supporting UNICEF in Brazil, India, Kenya and Pakistan providing training, tools and expertise to support government-led digital learning, with funding from Google.org. Learn more about our partnership with Google.
Join Us
Join the campaign by sharing the hashtag #BeyondDigitalAsUsual, use our canva template to customize posts, and stay tuned for human stories, videos and other features that highlight the impact of our work across the globe.
UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.