The OECD and European Commission have finalised the “Empowering Learners for the Age of AI: An AILit Framework for Primary and Secondary Education” in 2026, following consultation rounds that gathered input from nearly 1,000 educators, researchers, and technologists. The framework defines four core domains of AI literacy — (1) Engage with AI, (2) Create with AI, (3) Manage AI, and (4) Design AI — broken into 22 specific competencies emphasizing technical knowledge, critical thinking, ethics, and human-centered design. The framework will serve as the basis for the first OECD PISA 2029 assessment of AI literacy across member countries.
Who it affects: Students in OECD member countries; schools and ministries of education in OECD nations will reference the framework for curriculum alignment and policymaking.
What is notably missing: The framework is advisory and sets standards globally but carries no binding mandate. Individual countries must transpose the framework into national curriculum policy. Teacher professional development standards aligned to the framework have not been specified. Funding mechanisms for implementation across schools are not mandated or guaranteed.