The Council of Europe took part in Bett UK 2026, the world’s leading global event dedicated to education technology, held in London from 21 to 23 January 2026. The participation followed closely the first meeting of the Committee of Experts on Artificial Intelligence and Education (EDU-IA), which took place in Strasbourg on 14 January 2026, marking an important step in the Council of Europe’s work on the governance of digital transformation in education.
Bett brings together more than 30,000 educators, policymakers, EdTech innovators and industry leaders from over 120 countries. Each January, it provides a unique international forum for dialogue on the opportunities and challenges posed by digital technologies in education, fostering collaboration across public authorities, practitioners, industry and civil society.
As part of the Bett programme, the Council of Europe participated in a panel discussion alongside UNICEF and UK partners, focusing on the governance of educational technologies and the role of evaluation frameworks in strengthening trust, accountability and quality in digital education systems. During the discussion, the Council of Europe underlined its governance-based approach to EdTech and artificial intelligence in education, emphasising that digital transformation must be aligned with human rights, democratic values and the rule of law, in line with the expectations expressed by its member states. Particular attention was paid to the specific responsibilities of public authorities when digital tools and AI systems are used in education, especially in contexts involving children and young people and compulsory schooling.
This contribution built directly on the work launched by the newly established EDU-IA Committee, which operates under the Steering Committee for Education (CDEDU). At its first meeting on 14 January 2026, the Committee began work on a range of deliverables, including policy guidance, evaluation and quality assurance frameworks, and proposals for legal and policy instruments addressing the use of AI systems in education.
At Bett UK 2026, the Council of Europe highlighted the importance of practical and operational evaluation frameworks capable of translating shared normative principles into criteria and guidance usable by ministries, schools and oversight bodies. Such frameworks are essential to support evidence-informed decision-making, rebalance information asymmetries between public authorities and technology providers, and ensure that innovation in education serves the public interest.
Participation in Bett UK 2026 also offered an opportunity to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including educators, developers, researchers and civil society organisations, and to situate the Council of Europe’s work within wider international discussions on AI, EdTech and digital governance.
The Council of Europe will continue its work through the EDU-IA Committee and in close cooperation with its member states and partners to promote the responsible, rights-based and trustworthy use of educational technologies and AI, ensuring that digital innovation strengthens democratic education systems and maintains public trust.
