Advancing ethical and innovative AI integration in higher education in South Asia

In South Asia, this transformation brings significant promise, but also raises urgent questions about policy readiness, faculty capacities, digital inclusion, ethical governance, and the relevance of higher education systems to changing labour markets. Advancing AI in higher education therefore requires not only technological innovation, but also clear policy direction, institutional preparedness, and strong collaboration across sectors.

Across the region, higher education institutions are increasingly exploring how AI can support more flexible, inclusive, and effective learning. However, this transformation must also address the existing gender divide in AI, as one of the most significant forms of AI bias in South Asia affects girls and women. Ensuring the full participation of girls and women in AI-related education and workplaces is therefore essential for building an inclusive and equitable AI ecosystem. As highlighted during the keynote speech by Shafika Isaacs, achieving this goal requires more than powerful models; it requires strong and sustained commitment. UNESCO stands ready to support this commitment towards a gender-equitable AI transformation in higher education.

At the same time, many systems continue to face challenges such as uneven digital infrastructure, limited AI-related competencies among educators, fragmented policy frameworks, and insufficient collaboration between academia and industry. These gaps risk widening existing inequalities unless AI integration is approached in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and aligned with national development priorities.