UNESCO and Huawei promote ‘Resilient digital schools’ to partners of COP27

On the occasion of COP27 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, UNESCO organized a side event under the theme "Resilient Digital Schools" on 9 November 2022 to present the objectives and first results of the UNESCO-Huawei Technology-enabled Open Schools for All project. In line with the three key pillars for a livable planet advocated by COP27: Science, Solutions and Solidarity, this project aims to advance the science on the future schooling models, test digital solutions for inclusive and resilient schools, and enhance solidarity among partners. It aims to build crisis-resilient school systems that connect school-based and home-based learning to ensure the continuity and quality of learning no matter under normal or crises situations.

The event was attended in-person by Ms Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, H.E. Dr Reda Hegazy, the Egyptian Minister of Education and Technical Education, Directors of UNESCO field offices, Huawei representatives and representatives of country project teams.

The main objectives of the side event were to share an international vision on the digital transformation of schooling models in the context of climate change to enhance the resilience of school systems, and to explore synergies and possibilities to share resources among various countries and partners.

In her opening comments, Ms Stefania Giannini stated that "the UNESCO-Huawei Technology-enabled Open Schools for All project can help countries to rethink and build a new generation of schools and learners - ones that are more flexible and holistic, and that equip students with digital skills and the competences to act for a sustainable future… In the three implementing countries - Egypt, Ghana and Ethiopia - the project has planted the seeds to enhance national platforms; improve the connectivity of schools and learning centres; develop digital content and innovative pedagogical resources, and train teachers and students on digital skills."

Dr Reda Hegazy echoed her enthusiasm for the project by indicating that it "is closely aligned with the general orientation of the needs and issues of the Egyptian state". Later he emphasized "the critical need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to ensure not only equitable access to educational resources, but also to fulfill social obligations towards students."

"We believe that ICT is an important enabler for a greener world, helping greatly conserve energy and reduce emissions worldwide," said Catherine Du, Head of Huawei's TECH4ALL program, adding: "building green, sustainable communities has always been a priority for us and we constantly explore and implement new managerial and technological measures to achieve greener environment with approaches like reducing carbon emission, renewable energy and circular economy."

The Technology-enabled Open Schools for All project takes up the following challenge: Schools in low-resource countries can be transformed into technology-enabled open schools and provide inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. The project empowers and helps countries to rethink and develop the new generation of schools and learners, and equip them with the digital skills that could improve the future, including the necessary literacy to tackle climate change. School systems can thus ensure the continuity and quality of learning for all learners and respond to future global pandemics and crises situations. In Egypt, the project aims to empower 950,000 teachers, principals and supervisors to more effectively integrate ICT into their daily practice. Ultimately, 23 million students at the basic education level in the country are expected to benefit from an enhanced and more equitable digital learning experience.

It is imperative that countries transform education, which is among the main concerns for children and young people all over the world, and a human right. Education is key to addressing climate change, and connectivity and technology must be deployed to help close growing educational divides to achieve an inclusive education that facilitates sustainable development. UNESCO is working with Huawei to assist the Ministries of Education and other partners of Ghana, Egypt and Ethiopia in the implementation of a three-year (2020-2023) project to design, pilot test and scale up Technology-enabled Open School Systems.