Scaling AI skills through global cooperation

Written by Kristi Kivilo, Senior Expert 

In the era of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become more than a visionary idea associated with science fiction. Now, it is a basic utility, much like electricity or the internet. Yet, the true potential of AI lies not in its algorithms, but in people’s ability to use them. For governments, the challenge has shifted from simply building digital infrastructure to encouraging digital intelligence at scale. 

Who owns AI literacy? 

While the government serves as the essential architect who provides the roadmap and legal certainty, the private sector drives innovation through new tools, academia supplies crucial research, and civil society organisations ensure ethical oversight and human rights protection. Together, these stakeholders build a social contract in which the state lays the foundation, while the journey of learning and implementation unfolds across all levels of society. 

The government’s role is fundamental for several reasons, all of which are systemic. Firstly, equity and inclusion are at risk. If left to the market, AI skills are likely to cluster around tech hubs, thereby creating a new “AI divide”. Governments must ensure that marginalised groups and the elderly are not left behind. 

Secondly, national competitiveness is now tied to the workforce’s ability to automate routine tasks and focus on high-value, creative problem-solving.  

Finally, the government is the ultimate guardian of safety and ethics. A literate populace with the right knowledge and awareness is the best defence against deepfakes, misinformation and the unethical use of data. 

The need for rapid upskilling mechanisms 

While integrating AI into formal education is essential, traditional education systems change slowly, often taking years to update curricula, textbooks and teacher training. 

Meanwhile, AI is evolving at an exponential pace that will not allow governments to wait 10 to 15 years for a new AI-competent generation to enter the workforce. To remain competitive and secure, governments must act now to enable citizens to upskill in real time by prioritising adult learning and placing non-formal education at the heart of national strategy. 

From mystery to mastery in public understanding of AI 

To build a resilient society, the state must first manage public expectations and cultivate the correct mindset and a realistic understanding of AI. The rapid rise of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity has created a paradox: they are incredibly accessible yet widely misunderstood. When a citizen interacts with a tool that communicates in flawless natural language, the mental inclination is to anthropomorphise it. 

To prevent “AI-dependency”, education initiatives must focus on a key truth: AI is a tool, not a teammate. Strategic communication should emphasise that, while these chatbots generate impressive text and ideas, they operate on mathematical probability rather than consciousness. Framing AI as a “smart helper” will help ensure that citizens remain in charge through oversight, fact-checking and ethical judgment. 

Furthermore, the emergence of advanced visual AI requires greater awareness. As realistic images and videos become easier to produce, governments must teach citizens that, in the digital age, visual confirmation can no longer be trusted and critical evaluation is essential. 

The way forward 

Digital transformation shows that the greatest barrier to innovation is not a lack of technology but gaps in skills and mindset. Experiences from European Union-supported initiatives, including the CyberAcademy and Sigurantadigitala.md in Moldova, KnowCyber.eu in the Western Balkans, and Rural Empowerment through Digital Inclusion in Georgia, demonstrate that while national contexts vary, the core principles of educator empowerment and inclusive design remain consistent. 

Going forward, the government’s role will increasingly be one of enabling, convening and empowering. Through strategic communication, awareness-raising and accessible lifelong learning, governments can ensure that citizens are not only prepared for an AI-enabled future, but also active, informed and critical participants in shaping it. In the global race for AI capability, the most resilient societies will be those that treat their citizens as more than just users of technology but, instead, as its capable and confident stewards.  

Three Golden Rules for building a culture of informed scepticism  

To move beyond theory, governments must provide citizens with a practical “mental toolkit” to navigate the AI-driven landscape. This isn’t just about the technical skills to use the software; it is about building a culture of informed scepticism. This framework can be summarised through three “Golden Rules”: 

• Rule 1: Cultivate “informed curiosity”. Explore AI to boost productivity, but never mistake fluency for accuracy. Public messaging must reinforce that AI is an “hallucination-prone” architect of language. The citizen’s role is to be the final editor. 

• Rule 2: Prioritise data sovereignty and personal security. Cyber hygiene is often overlooked. Citizens must be taught that interacting with a public AI model is akin to speaking in a public forum. Sensitive information – such as passwords or banking details – must remain strictly offline. 
• Rule 3: The verification mandate. As AI makes it easier to generate convincing content, the responsibility to double-check facts becomes a civic duty. Governments must promote the habit of cross-referencing AI-generated information with trusted, primary sources. 

Key takeaways for governments seeking to build AI skills at scale 

Based on international trends in digital transformation, several universal truths emerge for any government seeking to build AI competence: 

• Build strong digital foundations. AI skills cannot be developed in isolation. Basic digital literacy, reliable access to connectivity and familiarity with digital public services lay the groundwork for AI competence. 
• Institutionalise lifelong learning systems. Digital and AI skills are not a “one-and-done” achievement. Governments must move toward lifelong learning ecosystems that combine formal education, micro-credentials and continuous reskilling. Modular learning pathways allow citizens to adapt as technologies evolve. 
• Scale through “Training of Trainers” (ToT). To achieve a multiplier effect, priority should be given to training youth and adult educators, librarians, and community members. Non-formal education through ToT models enables knowledge to cascade efficiently into local and underserved areas. 
• Leverage public-private and civil society cooperation. The fastest innovations occur in the private sector, while governments provide reach and legitimacy. However, the role of civil society organisations is critical; they often serve as a bridge to vulnerable communities, which is necessary to ensure that AI training is inclusive and human-centric. Cooperation with these groups allows for more agile, community-based learning. 
• Embed ethics, inclusion and public value. AI skills development must go hand in hand with moral awareness. Governments have a responsibility to frame AI as a means to strengthen transparency, trust and public value.