AI and Robotics Youth Training Programme

Building the next generation of AI innovators through hands-on learning, teacher training, and school-based innovation.

The AI & Robotics Youth Training Programme equips young people aged 10–18, as well as educators, with practical skills in artificial intelligence and robotics through AI School Clubs, structured teacher training, and national innovation challenges.

Led by the International Telecommunication Union through the AI for Good Skills Coalition, and supported by Giga, the programme transforms schools into environments for continuous learning and innovation.

Implemented in close partnership with national administrations, the programme expands access to emerging technologies while aligning with national priorities. Through hands-on, project-based learning, it develops confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing young people for the digital economies of tomorrow.

The AI & Robotics Youth Training Programme equips young people aged 10–18, as well as educators, with practical skills in artificial intelligence and robotics through AI School Clubs, structured teacher training, and national innovation challenges.

Led by the International Telecommunication Union through the AI for Good Skills Coalition, and supported by Giga, the programme transforms schools into environments for continuous learning and innovation.

Implemented in close partnership with national administrations, the programme expands access to emerging technologies while aligning with national priorities. Through hands-on, project-based learning, it develops confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing young people for the digital economies of tomorrow.

20000
+
Students
1000
Teachers trained
5
Pilot countries
2026
One year pilot programme
Why AI and robotics education for youth?

Artificial intelligence and robotics are transforming the way societies work, learn, and innovate. Yet millions of young people still lack the skills needed to participate in this technological shift.

At the same time, global demand for digital skills is accelerating, while access to quality and engaging learning opportunities remains uneven. Key gaps persist:

  • Policy gap: AI learning is not yet systematically integrated into national education systems
  • Capacity gap: Teachers lack accessible, scalable training to deliver AI and robotics content
  • Equity gap: Girls and underserved communities continue to face barriers to participation

Aligned with ITU’s priorities on digital inclusion and capacity development, the AI & Robotics Youth Training Programme addresses these challenges by providing structured pathways through AI School Clubs, teacher training, and hands-on innovation challenges — enabling young people to develop real-world skills and participate in the digital economy.

Programme components
Four core components form the backbone of the AI and Robotics Youth Training Programme, from capacity building to global showcase and replicable blueprint for scaling.
  • Teacher Training
    Educators receive training, curriculum resources, and facilitation support to deliver the programme locally.
  • AI School Clubs
    With the support of Giga, implement extracurricular learning pathway in selected schools, where students and teachers can develop practical AI and robotics skills through hands-on, project-based learning.
  • National Robotics Challenges
    Students apply their knowledge through competitions connected to the global Robotics for Good Youth Challenge.
  • Feedback and scale-up
    Learning outcomes and implementation insights feed back into curriculum refinement, future delivery cycles, and the Giga Learning Hub, supporting reuse and scaling across other Giga-engaged countries.
  • Global Stage
    Winning teams participate in the final stage at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.
Where the programme is being implemented
The programme begins with pilot implementations across five countries, under government leadership, combining local partnerships with a shared international framework designed for scaling.

Countries :

  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
Expected impact
The programme is co-led with national administrations, ensuring alignment with country priorities and designed to create lasting change across education systems, communities, and the broader innovation landscape.
  • Youth empowerment
    Young people gain confidence and practical skills to innovate.
  • Teacher capacity building
    Educators are equipped to deliver AI and robotics education.
  • Digital inclusion
    AI learning opportunities expand to underserved communities.
  • Sustainable ecostystem
    A scalable, government-led model, driven by AI School Clubs and teacher training, that enables expansion beyond the pilot phase.
Related events
Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
In person
16 May 2026
08:00 - 17:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
AI Skills Coalition
In person
15 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
AI Skills Coalition
In person
12 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
In person
9 May 2026
09:30 - 17:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
AI Skills Coalition
In person
8 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
In person
6 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
AI Skills Coalition
In person
5 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
AI Skills Coalition
In person
3 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
In person
2 May 2026
10:00 - 16:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Related events
Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
In person
16 May 2026
08:00 - 17:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
AI Skills Coalition
In person
15 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
AI Skills Coalition
In person
12 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
In person
9 May 2026
09:30 - 17:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
AI Skills Coalition
In person
8 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
In person
6 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
AI Skills Coalition
In person
5 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
AI Skills Coalition
In person
3 May 2026
09:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
In person
2 May 2026
10:00 - 16:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
In the news
In the news
Partners
Programme partners

   

Sponsors

Frequently asked questions

Students aged 10–18 through participating schools.

Teachers require basic robotics and coding experience. However, the programme includes further teacher training and support.

The programme prepares students with foundational skills that enable them to participate in the challenge, as well as to effectively be equipped with cutting-edge AI and Robotics skills to access higher education and the job market.

Discover how ITU helps young people build the future
Learn how our AI for Good and Giga initiatives connect education, innovation and opportunity across local systems
Discover how ITU helps young people build the future
Learn how our AI for Good and Giga initiatives connect education, innovation and opportunity across local systems.

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