UNESCO has published an AI Competency Framework for Students, defining 12 competencies across four dimensions: a human-centred mindset (student agency in relation to AI), ethics of AI (responsible and safe use, ethics-by-design), AI techniques and applications (foundational knowledge and skills), and AI system design (problem-solving, creativity, design thinking).
The framework positions students as “AI co-creators and responsible citizens” rather than passive users, emphasising critical judgement of AI solutions, citizenship responsibilities in the AI era, foundational knowledge for lifelong learning, and inclusive and sustainable design. It complements the previously published AI Competency Framework for Teachers (15 competencies, five dimensions).
Together, the two frameworks provide the most comprehensive international reference for what AI literacy should cover in formal education. Several countries have begun aligning national curricula to UNESCO’s frameworks, including Ivory Coast (workshop March 2026) and Cambodia (strategy reference).
Who it affects: Education ministries worldwide that choose to adopt or reference the framework; curriculum designers and teacher training institutions.
What is notably missing: The framework is voluntary. No enforcement, timeline, or funding accompanies it. Adoption requires domestic policy action. Most countries have not formally incorporated it into binding curriculum requirements. The framework does not address workforce or adult AI literacy.