Artificial Intelligence | Geneva, 20 January 2025
In a groundbreaking move to address the growing global AI skills gap, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched the AI Skills Coalition, a collaborative initiative aimed at democratizing access to AI education worldwide. With founding contributors including industry giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Cognizant, and regional bodies like the East Africa Community, this coalition represents a united effort to ensure equitable access to AI training and capacity building.
The announcement was made during the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, where ITU emphasized the critical role of digital technologies in shaping a sustainable future. The AI Skills Coalition will serve as an online platform offering open and accessible training in generative AI, machine learning, and the application of AI for sustainable development. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact, addressing the urgent need for global AI capacity building.
“Let’s make sure everyone has a chance to learn the skills they need to benefit from the AI revolution,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “Our new AI Skills Coalition aims to train thousands of people this year, especially those in regions just beginning their AI journey, as part of our commitment to ensure all communities can fully participate in our shared digital future.”
The Global AI Skills Gap: A Pressing Challenge
Recent research cited in ITU and Deloitte’s AI for Good Impact Report reveals that 94% of global business leaders consider AI critical to their organizations’ success. However, the lack of technical skills, the need for upskilling and reskilling, and the challenge of building trust in new technologies remain significant barriers to AI adoption worldwide.
The AI Skills Coalition, a flagship program under ITU’s AI for Good Impact Initiative, seeks to address these challenges by providing educational resources that empower individuals and organizations. The initiative also focuses on reducing the underrepresentation of marginalized groups—such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities—in the development and use of AI technologies.
“Generative AI is rapidly transforming the workforce, with LinkedIn data showing a 142x global increase in professionals adding AI skills in just one year,” noted Kate Behncken, Global Head of Microsoft Philanthropies. “We are proud to collaborate with the ITU AI Skills Coalition to provide accessible AI training, certifications, and capacity-building for policymakers, IT professionals, and organizational leaders.”
A Collaborative Approach to AI Capacity Building
The coalition will leverage the global reach of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which operates in over 170 countries and territories, to deliver AI training directly to partner nations.
“Capacity development is critical for addressing the AI equity gap, particularly in developing countries,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. “Aligned with the vision of this coalition, we will work with our partners to deliver AI training that equips policymakers and stakeholders with the knowledge needed to responsibly adopt and use AI for sustainable development.”
Phased Implementation and Key Features
The AI Skills Coalition will roll out in phases, with a focus on underserved and marginalized communities. Founding organizations are contributing training materials, financial resources, and outreach support to build a robust platform, set to launch in March 2025.
The platform will feature:
- A comprehensive training portfolio and a customizable digital library of AI resources.
- Self-paced courses, webinars, and access to in-person workshops tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Free access to foundational resources, with advanced certifications available at affordable rates.
Throughout 2025, the coalition will expand its offerings to include specialized programs for the general public, as well as government-focused training in AI governance, ethics, and policymaking—particularly for developing and least developed countries (LDCs).
AI for Good Global Summit 2025
The coalition’s efforts will culminate at the AI for Good Global Summit, scheduled for 8-11 July 2025 in Geneva. The summit will host a series of in-person workshops and skill-building sessions, further solidifying the coalition’s mission to bridge the global AI skills gap.
A Step Toward an Inclusive AI-Powered Future
The AI Skills Coalition represents a significant step toward ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status. By fostering collaboration between global organizations, private sector leaders, and UN agencies, this initiative aims to create a more equitable and inclusive digital future.
As the world continues to embrace AI, initiatives like the AI Skills Coalition remind us that the true potential of technology lies in its ability to empower everyone—not just a privileged few.
Reference:
1) https://aiforgood.itu.int/ai-skills-coalition/
2) https://tinyurl.com/ITU-AI-Skills
3) https://cloud.google.com/learn/what-is-artificial-intelligence