News
Ecuador commemorates the International Day of Digital Learning
On March 19, the commemoration of the International Day of Digital Learning took place at the Emilio Uzc谩tegui Auditorium of Ecuador's Ministry of Education. This event was organized by the National Directorate of Educational Technologies of the Undersecretariat for Educational Innovation and Buen Vivir of the Ministry of Education, with the support of the UNESCO offices in Quito and Montevideo.
International Forum on the Year of Digital Citizenship 2025
Based on the resolution adopted in 2023 by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which declares March 19 as the International Day of Digital Learning, the Ministry of Education organized the International Forum on the Year of Digital Citizenship 2025. The forum recognized the contributions that high-quality and accessible digital learning can make in addressing educational challenges worldwide and promoting inclusive sustainable development. This space brought together national and international representatives to reflect on the challenges and opportunities in education within the framework of digital citizenship, artificial intelligence, and educational transformation.
Following the opening remarks by authorities from the Ministry of Education and the UNESCO office in Ecuador, the Keynote Conference was delivered by Roxana Morduchowich, UNESCO鈥檚 Digital Citizenship Consultant, who addressed main aspects of the impact of artificial intelligence in the educational field.
From the telecommunications sector, Marcos Estrellas, a representative from Huawei, presented the lecture "Education and Digital Transformation for the Workforce", emphasizing the need for greater alignment between the education sector and the labor market through digitalization.
Three expert panels were subsequently held, addressing critical topics for navigating the challenges of the digital era:
1. Safe Internet Use: Speakers included Juan Branz (CONICET, Argentina), Dr. Diego Murzi (UBA, Argentina), Julio C茅sar Guanche (Social and Human Sciences Specialist at UNESCO Ecuador), and moderator Stefy Crespo (Ministry of Education).
2. Digital Citizenship: Featured panelists included Andrea Vel谩squez (Professor at UTPL), Marco Javier Insuasti Basantes (Director of Emerging Technology Promotion at MINTEL Ecuador), and V铆ctor Pazmi帽o (National Directorate of Educational Technologies at MINEDUC). The panel was moderated by Nicol谩s Reyes, Education Specialist at the UNESCO Office in Ecuador.
3. Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: This panel included Roxana Morduchowich (UNESCO Consultant), Freddy Esparza (Professor at Indoamericana University of Ecuador), and Ernesto Mirt Alvarado (UNESCO Ecuador). It was moderated by Viktor 脕guila, National Director of Educational Technologies at MINEDUC.
"Transforming Communities" Competition
During the forum, the launch of the "Transforming Communities 2025" competition was announced. Organized by the Foundation for Business and Social Development (FEDES) of the Technical University of Loja (UTPL), the presentation was led by Roberto Beltr谩n Zambrano, Director of FEDES-UTPL.
Presentation of Publications
The event also served as a platform for presenting two recent reports from the UNESCO Office in Montevideo:
鈥&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;"Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Before Banning, Teach to Think" (2024)
鈥&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;"Artificial Intelligence: Do We Need a New Education?" (2023)
The Future Teacher鈥檚 Kit
UNESCO announced the launch of the "Future Teacher鈥檚 Kit" project, which will be implemented in Ecuador with the support of the Ministry of Education, GIZ, and UNICEF. This initiative aims to strengthen teachers' capacities through training, the creation of practice communities, and the development of digital skills using accessible technologies such as text messaging. Its goal is to establish the best practice for professional development using digital resources.
Additional recommended resources
鈥&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;"Linking Digital and Ecological Transitions through Education" by Stefania Giannini (2025)
鈥&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;"Guide to the Use of Generative AI in Education and Research" (2024)
鈥&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;"Global Education Monitoring Report 2023: Technology in Education 鈥 Whose Terms?"
鈥&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;"AI Competency Framework for Students"
鈥&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;"AI Competency Framework for Teachers"
UNESCO defines digital citizenship as the set of skills and knowledge that enable individuals to participate effectively, ethically, and responsibly in digital environments. This competency is essential in today鈥檚 society, where technology and digital information play a central role in everyday life.
These initiatives reflect UNESCO鈥檚 commitment to strengthening digital competencies and promoting an informed and active digital citizenship in the modern era.
