AI Skills Gap Alliance Launched: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced the launch of an alliance during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 to address the global AI skills gap, supported by over 25 organizations.
Geneva, January 21, 2025 – In a significant move to address the global artificial intelligence (AI) skills gap, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has unveiled the launch of a pioneering alliance during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. The alliance, which has garnered the support of over 25 leading organizations, aims to provide accessible and comprehensive AI training to individuals worldwide, with a focus on inclusivity and equal opportunity.
The core objective of the initiative is to bridge the widening skills gap in AI, a critical area for future economic growth and technological advancement. Through an innovative online AI training and capacity-building platform, the alliance will offer a wide range of educational resources and hands-on training in artificial intelligence, including specialized programs in generative AI and machine learning. The platform is designed to cater to regions that are just beginning their AI journey, ensuring that participants from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to learn and grow in this transformative field.
With a clear commitment to sustainability and inclusive participation, the alliance aims to train thousands of individuals throughout 2025, particularly focusing on underserved regions where access to AI education has traditionally been limited. By providing these communities with the tools and knowledge needed to harness the potential of AI technologies, the initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, which promote global digital cooperation and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, in a keynote address during the launch, highlighted the urgency of equipping people with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world. “It is essential that we provide everyone with the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to benefit from the AI revolution,” she emphasized. “This initiative is not only about training a workforce for the future, but also about ensuring that the potential of AI is harnessed for sustainable development and the well-being of all.”
The alliance’s efforts come at a time when AI technologies are rapidly reshaping industries, economies, and societies across the globe. From healthcare to education, finance to agriculture, AI is playing an ever-growing role in driving innovation and solving complex global challenges. However, the fast-paced development of AI has created a significant demand for skilled professionals who can navigate and shape the future of this transformative technology. This skills gap, if left unaddressed, could hinder progress and limit the ability of many nations, particularly in the Global South, to fully participate in the AI-driven future.
By launching this alliance, the ITU is taking a proactive approach to addressing these challenges and ensuring that AI’s benefits are shared equitably. The initiative is expected to make a substantial impact on global AI education and workforce development, offering a platform that is both accessible and relevant to the needs of a diverse, global population.
The ITU’s AI training initiative represents a critical step in shaping a more inclusive digital future. By providing equal access to AI education, the alliance is not only fostering the growth of a skilled workforce but also contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development, innovation, and global digital equity. The success of this initiative will be pivotal in ensuring that the AI revolution benefits all people, regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic status, and helps build a more connected, resilient, and equitable world.