UNESCO: AI competency framework for students

“Preparing students to be responsible and creative citizens in the era of AI”

UNESCO’s AI Competency Framework for Students outlines a global standard for the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that all learners should develop to use AI responsibly and effectively. The framework identifies 12 competencies grouped into four dimensions: (1) Human-centred mindset (reflectiveness, critical thinking, growth mindset), (2) Ethics(fairness, privacy, transparency), (3) AI techniques (data literacy, model understanding, prompt engineering), and (4) AI systems (co-creation, AI applications, system impact). The framework emphasizes that AI education must go beyond tool use to foster reflexivity, agency, and responsible engagement with AI systems.

In addition to articulating student competencies, the document discusses levels of progression (from foundational through intermediate to advanced) and provides guidance for embedding these competencies in curricula, assessment, and teacher professional development. It underscores that equitable access, cultural and linguistic diversity, and contextual adaptation are critical for meaningful implementation. The framework positions itself as a reference for policymakers, educators, curriculum designers, and assessment bodies to ensure learners worldwide are prepared to engage with AI in a human-centred, ethical, and empowered way.