Between March and May, Egypt advanced an important step toward responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence through a three‑part AI literacy training series for civil servants, delivered under UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). The initiative was funded by the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) and implemented by UNESCO Egypt in close collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).
Titled “AI Literacy training for Civil Servants”, the training series brought together more than 90 civil servants from 25 different Egyptian ministries creating a shared learning space focused not only on understanding AI, but on using it responsibly and effectively as a tool in everyday public sector work.
The sessions were designed to strengthen AI literacy among civil servants by combining foundational knowledge of AI technologies with practical discussions on their responsible use in government. Participants explored how AI can support policy development, service delivery, and institutional efficiency, while also learning how to use AI tools safely in their daily work. The training also addressed key issues such as data protection, confidentiality, bias, and ethical risks. By the end of the series, participants reported increased confidence in engaging with AI technologies in a secure, informed, and responsible way.
For many participants, the training filled a critical gap between theory and real-world application. One beneficiary, Rania Hassan Ahmed Maamoun from the Management,
Internal Audit, and Governance Department at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, highlighted the value of the experience:
“I found the artificial intelligence training highly valuable. AI is a rapidly evolving field that we are all increasingly expected to understand and engage with. The training clarified how to benefit from AI and how to avoid potential risks during its use, especially when dealing with sensitive data. I hope these trainings continue and expand, as raising awareness among civil servants will benefit Egypt as a whole.”
The training series was closely linked to the launch of Egypt’s AI Readiness Assessment Report, developed using UNESCO’s RAM framework and supported by DG INTPA. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of Egypt’s preparedness to adopt and govern AI across legal, institutional, ethical, and technical dimensions.
By equipping civil servants with foundational AI knowledge and practical skills, the training helped ensure that the Readiness Assessment is not only a policy document, but a living process supported by informed public officials.
Investing in AI literacy for civil servants is a crucial step toward human‑centered, inclusive, and responsible AI governance. This training series demonstrates how international cooperation, national leadership, and capacity building can work together to prepare public institutions for the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.
As Egypt continues its AI readiness journey, expanding such trainings will play a key role in ensuring that AI serves the public good and supports sustainable national development.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/strengthening-ai-literacy-egypts-civil-servants?hub=701
