Education is at a pivotal juncture due to the transformative impact of AI. Existing education systems, which were adapted to the needs of industrial societies, must now evolve to address the challenges of the post-information society and the uncertainties and unpredictability of the future. This requires a re-evaluation of what should be preserved and what must change in order to enable education to continue playing a foundational role in shaping democratic values and cultural understanding and in developing individuals as participants in societal renewal. This will ensure that all learners enjoy right to quality education that should “develop each pupil’s and student’s personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential”, “recognise everyone’s learning and social needs”, “enable pupils and students to develop the necessary skills, self-confidence, and critical thinking to become responsible citizens”, and “rely on qualified teachers”.
The Council of Europe is proposing a new strategic tool to operationalise its values: the Compass for AI and Education. Structured around four components – Literacy, Practice, Evaluation, Regulation and Governance – the Compass will provide member states and stakeholders with standards and guidance in ensuring that AI contributes to, rather than undermines, human dignity, democratic participation, quality education, and integrity of educational institutions.
The 3rd Working Conference marks the official launch of the AI Compass for Education. It offers a space for policy dialogue, shared learning and forward planning, as well as the design of practical ways to implement the Compass in national contexts. By bringing together governments, educators, students, civil society and the private sector, the Council of Europe is reaffirming its commitment to shaping a future in which AI contributes to quality education for all without compromising the fundamental values that define Europe’s democratic identity.
The working languages of the conference will be English and French.
Purpose and objectives
The purpose of the conference is to inform and influence the political discourse on AI and education across the member states with a strong emphasis on quality education.
The main objectives of the conference are to
- introduce the Council of Europe Compass for AI and Education, examining in detail and refining its components,
- encourage diverse and critical perspectives on the implications of AI for quality education and its provision,
- present the policy developments and examples of use of AI from member states,
- co-create the forthcoming key instruments and inform the instruments and tools that are under development,
- suggest pathways for effective implementation,
- foster collaborative thinking, idea generation, capacity building, and critical reflection.
Programme outline
Day 1 – From fragmentation to strategic alignment
- Launch of the Council of Europe Compass for AI and Education
- Panel I – Why Europe needs a Common AI Framework for education
- Panel II – The four Components of the Compass for AI and Education
- Roundtables sessions (Parallel) – Putting the Compass into action
- Stakeholder input
Day 2 – From policy to practice
- Practical implementation labs (AI literacy strategies; Pedagogical integration of AI; EdTech evaluation; Legal & governance instruments in education & higher education)
- High-level policy dialogue – Scaling and sustaining AI governance in education
- Strategic outlook – Generating ideas for further development
Download the Concept note here.
Download the Programme here.
Participants
The conference will provide an opportunity for a diverse range of key stakeholders to come together including government experts from member states, representatives of international organisations, professional associations, civil society organisations, private sector companies active in the field, and educators and academics working on artificial intelligence and education.
Contact and registration
Registration
Please note that this is an in-person conference only and will take place at the Council of Europe Headquarters in Strasbourg, France. Online participation will not be possible. Kindly do not register if you are unable to attend in person.
There is no registration fee to participate in the Conference. However, participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
To ensure a balanced and diverse group of participants, the Secretariat is launching an open call for participation of experts from among member and observer states. Applications will be assessed based on professional background, relevant work experience, and potential to contribute meaningfully to the discussions on regulating AI systems in educational settings. Priority will be given to applicants whose participation will add value to the conference objectives.
Selected participants will be notified once the evaluation process is completed.
Please register at https://forms.office.com/e/uSc70rhv5q before and no later than 5 August 2025.
Contact
For any inquiries, contact: [email protected].
See also more information on Council of Europe’s on artificial intelligence and education.