The World Economic Forum (WEF) is calling for a transformative shift in global education systems, urging governments and institutions to embed artificial intelligence (AI) literacy into core curricula. In a newly published article titled “Why AI Literacy is Now a Core Competency in Education,” WEF argues that traditional digital literacy is no longer enough. In an AI-driven world, understanding and responsibly engaging with AI must be seen as an essential life skill.
AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it is reshaping how we live, work, and most critically, how we learn. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the Forum predicts AI will disrupt nearly every industry, dramatically changing the global job market. The most profound impact, however, may be in education, where AI is redefining how knowledge is accessed, processed, and applied.
To bridge the growing gap between rapid technological change and outdated school curricula, the WEF supports the AI Literacy Framework (AILit), a joint initiative by the European Commission (EC), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Code.org, and global experts. This framework redefines AI literacy as a combination of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that empower students to interact with AI critically, ethically, and creatively.
Unlike previous efforts focused solely on coding, the AILit Framework is interdisciplinary and practical. It emphasizes four core domains: recognizing AI in daily tools, co-creating with AI ethically, responsibly managing AI functions, and designing AI-based solutions. With 23 mapped competencies and real-world classroom scenarios, the framework aims to prepare students beyond computer science, for careers and challenges across all disciplines.
The urgency is clear. A 2024 study by TeachAI and EY reveals that nearly half of Gen Z struggles to identify AI inaccuracies or understand the limitations of generative AI tools, despite using them daily. Without structured guidance, students are experimenting with powerful technologies without grasping the ethical and practical consequences.
The Shaping Learning: The Role of AI in Education report reinforces this urgency, stating that schools must teach students how to evaluate AI outputs, collaborate with AI responsibly, and question its broader impact on society. The AI Literacy Framework is designed not only to meet this challenge but also to align with global policy standards such as Article 4 of the EU AI Act and the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027.
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As AI becomes more embedded in education and employment, the World Economic Forum stresses that skills like empathy, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking will be just as vital as technical proficiency. These uniquely human traits cannot be replicated by machines and must be cultivated in parallel with AI competencies.
The AILit Framework, now in its draft phase, is open for public consultation until late 2025. Stakeholders, educators, policymakers, curriculum designers, and education leaders, are encouraged to explore the framework and provide feedback. The final version will be launched in early 2026.
TeachAI, a global initiative led by Code.org and supported by organizations like Khan Academy and the Educational Testing Service, is also championing the cause by helping governments develop AI education policies. Their mission: to ensure students are not only consumers of AI, but also ethical stewards and innovative creators in the AI-powered future.
The message is clear: preparing students for tomorrow requires action today. With AI poised to redefine education and employment, the time to integrate AI literacy into classrooms around the world is now.