A global course for civil servants, created by the University of Oxford and UNESCO.

Duration: Approx. 12 guided hours + optional extra resources

Time commitment: Short programme

Location: Online, self-paced

Cost: Funded by UNESCO, free of charge for participants

Languages available: English or Spanish (French and Portuguese versions coming soon)

Certification: Participants will receive an official University of Oxford Certificate of Completion from Saïd Business School, in partnership with UNESCO, delivered in digital format

About the Course Designed for the Digital Transformation of Government

In partnership with UNESCO, we are excited to offer an online course that equips civil servants with the knowledge, skills, and tools to lead AI and digital transformation efforts within their organizations. This course is *free of charge* for participants, thanks to funding from UNESCO, and is designed for government professionals at all levels—from senior decision-makers to frontline workers.

Whether you’re looking to introduce AI tools within your department or want to ensure ethical oversight of your existing systems, this course will empower you to lead responsibly, engage your stakeholders, and drive change that benefits all citizens.

Course Structure: Learn at Your Own Pace

The course spans approximately 12 hours of guided learning, which you can complete at your own pace. With a mix of engaging short videos, real-world case studies, interactive quizzes, and reflective tasks, you will also be introduced to AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini. By the end, you will have a personalized learning portfolio to help you apply your knowledge within your organization.

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone working in public service, whether at local, national or regional levels, who wants to build confidence and capability in using digital technologies and AI. The course is designed for a wide range of roles, including:

• Public administrators and policymakers
• Managers of digital or data transformation projects
• Leaders overseeing service delivery or innovation
• ICT, legal and compliance professionals in government
• Civil servants with an interest in digital literacy, data governance or ethical AI

You don’t need a technical background, just a desire to learn and lead responsibly in a changing digital landscape.

Course Modules: Key Topics Covered

1. Foundations of Digital Transformation and AI

Understand key concepts and assess your team’s digital readiness.

2.Data as a Public Asset

Strengthen your data governance practices using the 4Ps framework.

3.Human Rights and Ethics of AI

Explore risks, dilemmas, and responsible use of AI in the public sector.

4.Governance for Trustworthy AI and Digital Systems

Learn how to apply oversight models, legal frameworks, and systems thinking.

5.Designing Inclusive, People-Centered Services

Use human-centered design and AI tools to improve service accessibility and impact.

6.Leading Digital Transformation in Government

Develop leadership capabilities for cyber-resilient, values-driven innovation.

What You’ll Gain

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Explain key concepts in digital transformation, AI, and data governance.
• Use AI tools strategically and responsibly in your public service work.
• Assess your organization’s digital readinessand identify areas for improvement.
• Mitigate risksrelated to AI ethics, inclusion, and human rights.
• Design inclusive, accessible, people-centered servicesthat serve diverse populations.
• Lead transformation initiativeswith a clear vision, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.
• Understand legal, regulatory, and cybersecurity frameworksthat govern AI use in government.

Developed by Experts from Oxford Saïd and UNESCO

This course is led by faculty from Oxford Saïd, in collaboration with UNESCO and the SPARK Alliance. It draws on:

• The UNESCO Competency Framework for AI and Digital Transformation in Government
• The UNESCO Data Governance Toolkit
• Global case studies and expert insights from around the world
• A modular learning design informed by inclusive, accessible, and ethical digital principles

Why This Course Matters Now

Over the last decade, governments worldwide have been under increasing pressure to modernize their operations using digital tools and AI technologies. While these advances hold the potential to drastically improve public services, they also introduce new challenges, particularly around ethical governance, digital inclusion, and trust. This course provides a globally relevant introduction to the realities of AI and digital transformation in government, giving you the tools to address both the opportunities and risks that come with this technology.

By the end of the program, you’ll have a stronger understanding of how AI can be used effectively, ethically, and inclusively in public services, and you’ll be ready to lead your department or organization through this complex transformation.

About UNESCO and the SPARK Alliance

The UNESCO Programme on AI for the Public Sector aims to build the capacity of governments to implement AI in ways that uphold human rights and promote social equity. This course is developed in collaboration with the SPARK Alliance, which provides valuable insights and feedback from a global network of practitioners.

For more information and to register, visit: https://secure.sbs.ox.ac.uk/corporate/landingPage.do?method=load&corporateGroupId=2938477