At the ongoing UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, education experts have called for stronger education systems and global collaboration to combat misinformation and ensure inclusivity in the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking during a high-level debate on “Balancing Misinformation and Disinformation in Today’s World,” the Rector of the University of Oslo, Mr Svein Stølen, underscored the need to promote critical thinking and information verification skills across all levels of education.
Mr Stølen, who also chairs the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, urged UNESCO to ensure that AI systems reflect the cultural values and ethical standards of individual countries, rather than being solely influenced by Western perspectives.
He also drew attention to the widening digital divide, particularly in Africa, where many nations continue to lag behind in AI adoption and digital literacy.
To address this challenge, Mr Stølen highlighted ongoing collaborations between European and African universities aimed at building capacity and fostering inclusive innovation.
