Ecuador commemorates the International Day of Digital Learning

Following the opening remarks by authorities from the Ministry of Education and the UNESCO office in Ecuador, the Keynote Conference was delivered by Roxana Morduchowich, UNESCO’s Digital Citizenship Consultant, who addressed main aspects of the impact of artificial intelligence in the educational field.

From the telecommunications sector, Marcos Estrellas, a representative from Huawei, presented the lecture “Education and Digital Transformation for the Workforce”, emphasizing the need for greater alignment between the education sector and the labor market through digitalization.

Three expert panels were subsequently held, addressing critical topics for navigating the challenges of the digital era:

1.    Safe Internet Use: Speakers included Juan Branz (CONICET, Argentina), Dr. Diego Murzi (UBA, Argentina), Julio César Guanche (Social and Human Sciences Specialist at UNESCO Ecuador), and moderator Stefy Crespo (Ministry of Education).

2.    Digital Citizenship: Featured panelists included Andrea Velásquez (Professor at UTPL), Marco Javier Insuasti Basantes (Director of Emerging Technology Promotion at MINTEL Ecuador), and Víctor Pazmiño (National Directorate of Educational Technologies at MINEDUC). The panel was moderated by Nicolás Reyes, Education Specialist at the UNESCO Office in Ecuador.

3.    Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: This panel included Roxana Morduchowich (UNESCO Consultant), Freddy Esparza (Professor at Indoamericana University of Ecuador), and Ernesto Mirt Alvarado (UNESCO Ecuador). It was moderated by Viktor Águila, National Director of Educational Technologies at MINEDUC.

“Transforming Communities” Competition

During the forum, the launch of the “Transforming Communities 2025” competition was announced. Organized by the Foundation for Business and Social Development (FEDES) of the Technical University of Loja (UTPL), the presentation was led by Roberto Beltrán Zambrano, Director of FEDES-UTPL.

Presentation of Publications

The event also served as a platform for presenting two recent reports from the UNESCO Office in Montevideo:

•    “Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Before Banning, Teach to Think” (2024) (Available here)

•    “Artificial Intelligence: Do We Need a New Education?” (2023) (Available here)

The Future Teacher’s Kit

UNESCO announced the launch of the “Future Teacher’s Kit” project, which will be implemented in Ecuador with the support of the Ministry of Education, GIZ, and UNICEF. This initiative aims to strengthen teachers’ capacities through training, the creation of practice communities, and the development of digital skills using accessible technologies such as text messaging. Its goal is to establish the best practice for professional development using digital resources.

Additional recommended resources

•    “Linking Digital and Ecological Transitions through Education” by Stefania Giannini (2025) (Available here)

•    “Guide to the Use of Generative AI in Education and Research” (2024) (Available here)

•    “Global Education Monitoring Report 2023: Technology in Education – Whose Terms?” (Available here)

•    “AI Competency Framework for Students” (Available here)

•    “AI Competency Framework for Teachers” (Available here)

UNESCO defines digital citizenship as the set of skills and knowledge that enable individuals to participate effectively, ethically, and responsibly in digital environments. This competency is essential in today’s society, where technology and digital information play a central role in everyday life.

These initiatives reflect UNESCO’s commitment to strengthening digital competencies and promoting an informed and active digital citizenship in the modern era.