UNICEF HK and APRU Lead the Way in Harnessing AI for the Next Generation
13/02/2025
Hong Kong, 13 Feb 2025 - In celebration of the International Day of Education 2025, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education: Human Agency in an Automated World’, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the potential of technological breakthroughs to support students throughout their learning journeys, while cautioning that the power of AI rests “in the hands of a few”. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay echoed the crucial need to make AI “a tool at the service of teachers and pupils.”
In light of the global initiative to harness AI in education, the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) took lead in inaugurating a meeting with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), a network of 61 leading universities from the Americas, Asia, and Australasia to explore practical and responsible solutions for the 21st century challenges on learning and development of children and youth.
During the meeting, UNICEF HK Chairman Judy Chen, along with Dr Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive of APRU, and representatives from APRU and Ms. Isabella Wong, Chief of Staff of the University of Hong Kong (a member of APRU), committed to establishing a collaboration including a Working Group focused on building capacity for young people to gain AI literacy and skills, extending AI education beyond universities to secondary and primary schools. The partnership between UNICEF HK and APRU are building the foundation to partner on supporting a reform in learning where technological innovations can benefit children and youth equitably while contributing to Hong Kong’s development as a child-friendly city.
UNICEF HK Chairman Ms Judy Chen (fifth left), along with Dr Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive of APRU (fifth right), and representatives from APRU and Ms Isabella Wong (thrid right), Chief of Staff of the University of Hong Kong (a member of APRU), committed to establishing a collaboration.
UNICEF HK Chairman, Ms Judy Chen (left), with APRU Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thomas Schneider (right).
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About UNICEF HK
Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) was founded in 1986 and was established as an independent local non-government organization to raise funds through public donations, partnerships with companies, special events, etc. to support UNICEF’s work. UNICEF HK also promotes and advocates for children’s rights via organizing education and youth programmes in Hong Kong.