Human resources must always remain central to educational policy, the Nationalist Party said.
On International Day of Education, celebrated since 2019, the Nationalist Party "salutes all professionals dedicated to compulsory and tertiary education in our country."
"As UNESCO has chosen to dedicate this year's International Day of Education to the theme of AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation, the PN reaffirms its stance on the need for greater investment in human resources. This is especially important in an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly significant in education within an automated, technology-driven world."
While these advancements are vital for the continued updating and strengthening of the education sector, human resources must always remain central to educational policy, with their role elevated and safeguarded, the party said in a statement signed by Justin Schembri, Shadow Minister for Education and Trades.
The Nationalist Party, "which considers Digital Education and the use of Artificial Intelligence a key principle in shaping modern education, stresses the importance of committing further to these areas. It insists that policy should focus on achieving a balance where digital learning complements other teaching methods."
The presence of teachers, educators, and lecturers must remain essential for teaching and the holistic development of children and youth, it said. "This presence is crucial for fostering additional skills such as social and emotional competencies."
"This, however, does not diminish the absolute importance of ensuring that teachers, educators, and lecturers at all levels - including those in tertiary education - are trained and up to date with the various competencies required for the optimal use of today's digital tools, in alignment with UNESCO's competency framework."