Kathmandu— Global educators and policymakers recently convened in Beijing to discuss the future of schooling amidst the rise of artificial intelligence, with a clear focus on China's pioneering role in the field. The country has made AI integration a national priority, launching initiatives like 'AI Plus Education' and deploying technologies designed to enhance teaching and learning across all disciplines. This push comes as nations worldwide grapple with how to prepare students for a future where machines increasingly outperform humans in cognitive tasks.

National Strategy Drives Implementation

China’s vice minister of education, Ren Youqun, emphasized that the integration of AI and education is now a national priority. The country is actively pursuing a digital education strategy designed to embed intelligent technologies into every aspect of teaching, from lesson planning to student assessment. This commitment is formalized in the “AI Plus Education” action plan, which outlines systematic arrangements for talent development, innovation, infrastructure building, and ecosystem creation—signaling a shift from isolated pilot projects to large-scale implementation.

Tech Companies Spearhead Innovation

Chinese technology companies are at the forefront of translating this national strategy into practical applications. Huawei has introduced its AI Practice Lab (AIPL) solution for higher education, focusing on interdisciplinary talent cultivation through a “multi-disciplinary plus AI” model. A joint initiative between Beijing Institute of Technology and Huawei established an AIPL with tracks in embodied intelligence, law, and chemistry, utilizing real-world scenarios to enhance students’ practical skills. Meanwhile, iFLYTEK has launched 'Sparklight,' an AI-powered assistant for teachers designed to streamline administrative tasks, lesson planning, and student assessment.

Boosting Teacher Efficiency and Creativity

Trial data from the implementation of Sparklight indicates significant improvements in teacher efficiency. According to Nie Xiaolin, co-founder and senior vice president of iFlytek, the platform boosts lesson preparation by over 60 percent, reduces administrative workload by 60 to 80 percent, and saves teachers four to seven hours per week for more focused instruction. Importantly, Sparklight is designed not just as a tool but as a collaborative platform, with teachers evolving into developers of AI applications—creating resources like 3D virtual experiments and interactive models.

Call for Global Collaboration and Equity

The conference underscored the need for international cooperation in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education. Ren Youqun called for strategic consensus on development, resource sharing, and enhanced teacher training worldwide. UNESCO’s assistant director-general for education, Chen Qun, highlighted existing global educational challenges like demographic shifts and skills gaps, while UN officials emphasized the urgency of leveraging AI to promote inclusive and equitable education. The Global Smart School Initiative was unveiled as a platform for international exchange and best practice sharing, featuring examples from schools in China, Europe, Africa, and North America.

Preserving Cultural Identity in the Digital Age

Participants also stressed the importance of ensuring that AI-driven education does not exacerbate existing inequalities or lead to cultural homogenization. Mo’ale ‘Otunuku, minister for education and training of Tonga, emphasized the need for equitable access to AI resources while advocating for localized intelligent systems that respect indigenous languages, civilizations, and knowledge systems.

The Global Smart Education Conference 2026 concluded with a shared commitment to exploring innovative approaches to integrating AI into education, fostering collaboration, and ensuring equitable access to these transformative technologies.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.