UNESCO China–Southeast Asia Programme Builds Teacher Capacity for AI and STEM Education in Beijing

From 17 to 23 August 2026, the China–Southeast Asia Capacity Development Programme for Teachers and Principals was held in Beijing, bringing together more than 100 education policymakers, school leaders, teachers and experts from China and Southeast Asia. Themed “STEM and AI: Empowering Rural Teachers for Digital Transformation,” the programme covered teacher capacity development, AI literacy, digital equity and the use of technology in rural and underserved communities. It was organized by the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education, SEAMEO RECSAM, the UNESCO Chair on Artificial Intelligence in Education at Beijing Normal University and the Education Bureau of Futian District, Shenzhen.

This is a regional teacher capacity-building programme organized by UNESCO and partner institutions, directly aimed at rural teachers and school leaders and covering AI literacy and digital equity, making it a verifiable event in AI education capacity building and regional cooperation. Its impact is concentrated at the level of teacher training and regional experience-sharing; the original text provides no training outcomes, number of schools covered or follow-up policy arrangements, so learning effects or scaled results should not be inferred. Provides a regional exchange opportunity on AI literacy and rural teacher development for more than 100 education policymakers, school leaders and teachers from China and Southeast Asia. Offers participants exposure to practical approaches to digital learning and AI in education through visits to schools, education institutions and technology stakeholders.