Global leaders discuss AI’s role in education at UN STI Forum Side event
Date: 2026-05-10
By: Robert Kwaku Annor
The Women’s Foreign Policy
Group partnered with Microsoft to host a high-level discussion on the future of
education in the age of artificial intelligence on the sidelines of the United
Nations Science, Technology and Innovation Forum in New York City.
The event, themed “Learning
and Educating in the Age of AI: Global Opportunities and Challenges,” brought
together diplomats, education leaders, technology experts, and international
development stakeholders to examine how AI is reshaping education systems
globally.
Panelists included
Ambassador Jay Dharmadhikari, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the
United Nations; Ambassador Sangjin Kim, Deputy Permanent Representative of the
Republic of Korea to the United Nations; Randi Weingarten, President of the American
Federation of Teachers; Naria Santa Lucia, General Manager of Elevate at
Microsoft; and Juan-Pablo Giraldo, Education and Innovation Specialist at
UNICEF.
The discussion was moderated
by Michele Lynch, Senior Policy Advisor at TMG and a board member of the
Women’s Foreign Policy Group.
Participants explored
lessons learned from the growing integration of AI technologies into classrooms
and education systems, while also discussing opportunities to improve learning
outcomes, digital inclusion, and innovation in education.
Speakers emphasized the need
to ensure that students and educators remain at the center of AI-related policy
and implementation decisions as governments and institutions continue to adopt
emerging technologies in education.
The Women’s Foreign Policy
Group also acknowledged Microsoft for its partnership and continued support
through its Corporate Council engagement.
