Closing the AI skills gap: A united effort for an inclusive digital future

The AI Skills Coalition will work with partners like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to expand its reach. With a presence in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP’s involvement ensures the initiative can deliver AI training to some of the most underserved regions in the world. These collaborative efforts highlight the coalition’s commitment to capacity development, especially in developing countries where AI adoption has the potential to drive transformative economic growth.

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the global disparity in artificial intelligence (AI) education and skills, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has introduced the AI Skills Coalition. Announced during the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, this coalition brings together over 25 organizations, including industry giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Cognizant, and the East Africa Community. The coalition represents a united effort to bridge the AI skills gap and ensure equitable access to AI training worldwide.

The AI Skills Coalition is the latest flagship initiative of ITU’s AI for Good program, designed to provide accessible and inclusive training on cutting-edge AI technologies, such as generative AI and machine learning. This online platform will serve as a hub for AI capacity building, offering a range of resources, including open self-paced courses, webinars, in-person workshops, and hybrid programs. Advanced certifications, tailored for professionals and policymakers, will be offered at affordable rates, ensuring that high-quality AI education is accessible across income levels and geographies.

Central to the coalition’s mission is inclusivity. Marginalized communities - women, youth, and persons with disabilities - are underrepresented in AI-related fields, a gap this initiative seeks to close. By consolidating global expertise and fostering an inclusive learning environment, the platform is set to level the playing field, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the AI revolution.

Tackling barriers to AI adoption

The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. According to ITU and Deloitte’s AI for Good Impact Report, 94% of business leaders consider AI critical to their organization's success. However, barriers such as insufficient technical skills, slow reskilling efforts, and a lack of trust in emerging technologies are impeding the broader adoption of AI globally.

The coalition’s training programs aim to address these challenges head-on by equipping participants with practical skills, ethical considerations, and policy-making knowledge needed to integrate AI responsibly into various industries. For instance, AI literacy will enable policymakers to frame regulations that foster innovation while safeguarding public interests. Likewise, workforce training will allow industries to embrace automation and data-driven decision-making without displacing workers.

Leveraging strategic partnerships

The AI Skills Coalition will work with partners like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to expand its reach. With a presence in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP’s involvement ensures the initiative can deliver AI training to some of the most underserved regions in the world. These collaborative efforts highlight the coalition’s commitment to capacity development, especially in developing countries where AI adoption has the potential to drive transformative economic growth.

As Microsoft’s Kate Behncken pointed out, the global demand for AI skills is soaring. Professionals showcasing AI-related expertise on LinkedIn have increased 142-fold within a year, demonstrating the urgency to meet this rapidly growing need. By addressing this demand, the coalition not only creates opportunities for individuals but also empowers nations to fully participate in the global digital economy.

A phased rollout for long-term impact

The AI Skills Coalition platform, set to launch in March 2025, represents a carefully phased approach. The platform will initially feature foundational training programs and a customizable digital library of AI resources contributed by academia, private sector partners, and UN agencies. Over time, more advanced content, including specialized government training in AI governance, ethics, and policymaking, will be integrated to address the unique challenges faced by developing nations and least developed countries (LDCs).

This phased rollout ensures the platform is scalable and adaptable, evolving with the needs of learners and the technological landscape. By incorporating diverse learning formats and catering to a wide audience - from students and professionals to policymakers - the coalition aims to create a robust, future-ready AI education ecosystem.

Shaping a sustainable future with AI

Artificial intelligence is not just a technology; it is a transformative force reshaping industries, economies, and societies. The AI Skills Coalition represents a critical step toward ensuring that this transformation is inclusive and equitable. By focusing on underserved communities, the initiative seeks to reduce inequalities, empower individuals, and drive sustainable development worldwide.

The coalition’s alignment with the United Nations’ Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact further reinforces its importance as a tool for fostering global collaboration. Through its commitment to universal AI training, ITU is laying the groundwork for a world where technological progress benefits all, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.

By addressing the urgent AI skills gap, promoting responsible AI adoption, and fostering collaboration among global stakeholders, the AI Skills Coalition offers a vision of hope, equity, and innovation for a brighter, AI-powered future.