Oxford and UNESCO Launch Free Global AI and Digital Transformation in Government Course
AI and Digital Transformation
24th October 2025, Kathmandu
The future of public service is fundamentally shifting.
AI and Digital Transformation
Artificial Intelligence (AI and Digital Transformation in Government) actively transforms how nations serve their citizens and redefines the role of public leadership globally.
Recognizing this crucial need, the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School and UNESCO join forces to launch a groundbreaking, free online course.
This program specifically empowers civil servants worldwide, equipping them to lead this technological change both responsibly and ethically. Enrollment for this essential learning initiative opens on November 10, 2025, offering a critical resource for government officials everywhere.
Bridging the Global Digital Skills Gap
Governments worldwide face a significant challenge in keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.
While AI offers immense potential to streamline public services, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency, a critical skills gap persists among public sector employees.
Fewer than half of the world’s countries integrate AI into their national e-government strategies, according to recent reports. This collaborative course directly addresses this deficit.
UNESCO and Oxford developed this comprehensive, self-paced module to provide practical, high-level knowledge. It ensures that public administration professionals, regardless of their current technical background, can confidently navigate the complex landscape of AI.\
The course material directly aligns with the UNESCO Competency Framework on AI and Digital Transformation for the Public Sector, guaranteeing relevance and quality.
Key Modules for Responsible AI Governance
The new online offering provides robust training across several core domains. It ensures participants develop a holistic understanding of deploying AI in a public context.
The curriculum moves beyond mere technological literacy, emphasizing ethical leadership and human-rights-based innovation. Participants actively learn how to design, manage, and govern digital initiatives.
Modules cover critical areas such as Digital Planning and Design, helping officials identify complex public problems and design innovative solutions.
Furthermore, the course delves into crucial aspects of Data Use and Governance, teaching participants how to manage sensitive data responsibly while rigorously safeguarding privacy and citizen security.
Finally, a focus on Digital Management and Execution prepares civil servants to effectively lead teams and co-create digital services that genuinely respond to real public needs.
An Accessible and Global Learning Opportunity
The unique design of this course prioritizes global accessibility. Delivered entirely online and structured as a self-paced learning environment, it allows participants to integrate their studies into their demanding professional schedules.
Most importantly, the course is provided completely free of charge. This removes a significant financial barrier, ensuring that officials from developing and least developed countries can access world-class education.
Launching initially in both English and Spanish, the program demonstrates a commitment to broad international reach, with plans to introduce French, Portuguese, and Arabic versions soon after.
Upon successful completion, participants will earn a joint certificate from the prestigious Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and UNESCO, adding immense professional credibility. This high-value, no-cost model represents a significant contribution to global digital cooperation and capacity building.
The Imperative for Ethical Public Leadership
The adoption of AI in government introduces complex ethical and social questions. Uncontrolled or poorly governed AI systems can exacerbate existing biases, threaten human rights, and erode public trust. This course strongly emphasizes the need for responsible AI adoption.
It empowers public leaders to integrate ethics and human rights into their digital transformation strategies from the outset. Civil servants learn to assess the societal impact of AI tools and establish clear governance frameworks, ensuring technology serves the public good.
The objective is to cultivate a new generation of public sector leaders who champion ethical, accountable, and citizen-centric governance, thereby strengthening democratic institutions through technology.
Next Steps for Civil Servants
The opportunity to master AI and Digital Transformation in Government is here. Interested civil servants and public sector professionals must register their interest via the official UNESCO and Oxford Saïd online portal.
The official enrollment period commences on November 10, 2025. This course represents an invaluable step for any public official aiming to remain relevant and effective in an increasingly digital world. Securing a place means actively choosing to lead the digital future of public service, ensuring AI benefits all citizens equitably.
For more: AI and Digital Transformation
