Ei-iE

Education unions from across the world will convene in Madrid on 29–30 June 2026 for the first in-person meeting of Education International’s AI and Technology Network, marking a decisive step to ensure that the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is shaped in the public interest—by educators, for learners.

Hosted in collaboration with the Government of Spain and EI’s national affiliates, the meeting will focus on a central question: how is AI affecting students’ development, well-being, and learning—and what must be done to protect them? 

At the heart of the discussions will be a core principle: the teacher-student relationship must remain the foundation of education in the age of AI. 

Defending the human core of education 

Rapid advances in AI are already impacting classrooms, learning environments, and the daily work of teachers. Education unions warn that the pace of technological change is outstripping governance, raising urgent questions about its impact on children and education systems.  

“AI is entering education at an unprecedented speed,” said David Edwards, General Secretary of Education International. “The question is not whether it will affect our classrooms—but whether it will do so in ways that protect students, respect teachers, and strengthen public education.”  

Education International emphasises that education is not a site for technological innovation and product testing. It is where human development takes place—where students learn to think critically, build relationships, and grow as individuals and citizens.  

“No technological product or platform can replace the trust, care, and professional judgement at the heart of teaching and the lifeblood of our societies,” Edwards added.  

A union-led response to AI in education 

The Madrid meeting responds directly to a mandate from Education International’s World Congress to strengthen union engagement on AI and the future of the teaching profession. 

Bringing together unions, researchers, and policymakers, the AI and Technology Network will: 

• Build an evidence-based understanding of how AI affects student development, safety, and learning
• Develop shared strategies and advocacy for human-centred and teacher-led AI in education 
• Strengthen global cooperation structures to ensure that teachers’ voices shape AI governance 

Participants will also explore how to ensure that AI systems are aligned with educational values, including equity, inclusion, and democratic accountability. 

Discussions will be informed by the new framing report Teaching, AI, and the Human Core of Education: The Future Worth Defending by Armand Doucet for Education International.

The report adds the perspective of the teaching profession to a growing global discussion on AI and education. It does not claim to offer final answers. It offers a professional frame: what is changing, what must not be lost, and what teachers, unions, governments, and communities must now shape together.

At the centre of this living working document is that AI must strengthen education without weakening the human relationships, professional judgement, and public purpose at its core.

Putting public education first 

Education unions stress that decisions about AI in education cannot be left to private technology companies. Instead, they must be guided by public authorities, educators, and communities. 

The meeting will contribute to a growing global effort led by education unions to ensure that AI: 

• Supports human development and learning rather cognitive stunting and emotional manipulation 
• Protects student’s rights and well-being 
• Strengthens, rather than replaces, the teaching profession 

Looking ahead 

The Madrid meeting marks the beginning of an ongoing process to build a strong global community of union leaders and experts working on AI and education. 

As AI continues to evolve, Education International and its members are committed to ensuring that education systems do not uncritically adopt technological change—but actively shape it. 

Because the future of education must remain human-centred, teacher-led, publicly funded, and grounded in the needs and rights of every learner.