The 2026 World Digital Education Conference, jointly hosted by the Ministry of Education and the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province, recently concluded in Hangzhou. Centered on the theme “AI+Education: Transformation, Development, Governance,” the event focused on how artificial intelligence can drive systemic educational change and foster a sustainable global governance framework.
Global Benchmarks and the “AI+Education” Shift
A primary highlight of the conference was the release of the Global Digital Education Development Index (GDEI) 2026, presented by Li Yongzhi, President of the China National Academy for Educational Sciences. The index, which evaluated 82 countries, indicates that the overall global level of digital education has risen by 3.52%.
The report identifies the United States, China, South Korea, and Finland as the first nations to enter a new “AI+Education” stage. Currently, 43% of countries are actively planning a transition toward AI-integrated education.
There is a growing global consensus on the importance of cognitive development. According to the GDEI, 78% of countries emphasize the cultivation of high-order thinking skills in students, while 76% have established specific goals for this objective. However, the report notes that significant differences remain between nations regarding the ethical governance of AI in education.
Redefining Pedagogy and Infrastructure
The conference introduced eight major achievements, including the “China Smart Education Development Report (2025—2026).” This report asserts that AI is redefining education and shaping new forms of “smart education,” supported by China’s National Education Digitalization Strategy Action 2.0.
To support this transition, the Ministry of Education announced an upgrade to the China Smart Education Public Service Platform. The international version will now feature three core functions: a global AI education service platform, a lifelong learning center, and the “Love Chinese” learning community.
Teacher Adoption and the Digital Divide
Reports presented during the “Preparing Teachers for Future Schools” parallel session highlighted a high rate of AI adoption among educators. The “China Generative AI Application Report (2026)” found that 96.1% of teachers are actively learning AI tools, and 69.4% recognize that their professional roles are changing.
Despite this enthusiasm, challenges persist. The 2025 Annual Report on Digital Literacy for Primary and Secondary School Teachers in China noted that while the urban-rural gap is shrinking, only 14.77% of teachers use AI daily. Many educators continue to call for clear ethical guidelines and official regulations to govern AI use.
International Cooperation and Governance
The event culminated in the “AI Education Hangzhou Initiative,” which calls for a global ecosystem that protects human-centric education and promotes equity. The initiative urges countries to collaborate on governance solutions to ensure technology protects educational development.
Practical cooperation was solidified through 20 international projects involving government bodies, associations, and partnerships between universities—such as Zhejiang University and Fudan University—and enterprises like Alibaba. These projects cover regions including Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central Asia, focusing on hardware construction, curriculum sharing, and joint research.
Future Outlook
As nations move toward the “AI+Education” stage, the implementation of the “AI Education Ethics: Reference Framework” could become a critical next step in resolving current governance discrepancies. The success of the newly signed international cooperation projects may lead to more standardized “AI-empowered smart campus” elements across different regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are leading the “AI+Education” transition?
According to the Global Digital Education Development Index 2026, the United States, China, South Korea, and Finland have率先 entered the new “AI+Education” stage.
What are the primary concerns among teachers regarding AI?
While adoption is high, 86.0% of teachers expressed concern that students’ over-reliance on AI could negatively impact their ability to think independently.
What is the goal of the AI Education Hangzhou Initiative?
The initiative calls for the international community to build a global AI education application ecosystem that maintains human-centric values, promotes equity, and implements the UN Future Summit’s Global Digital Compact.
How should educators balance the efficiency of AI tools with the need to preserve independent critical thinking in students?
