ITU launches coalition to bridge AI skills gapITU launches coalition to bridge AI skills gap

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills Coalition, an initiative aimed at bridging the global AI skills gap.

The Union is backed by 27 organizations including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, the East Africa Community and Cognizant.

The coalition was announced at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland where the ITU highlighted the role of digital technologies in building a sustainable future.

In a statement, the ITU said the coalition will serve as an online platform for AI education and capacity building, encouraging inclusive participation by offering open and accessible skills training on generative AI (GenAI), machine learning and applying AI for sustainable development.

The ITU added that the AI Skills Coalition is advancing the implementation of the United Nations Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact, responding swiftly to urgent global calls for AI capacity building and addressing the growing AI skills gap to ensure inclusive access to opportunities in an AI-powered world.

ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin urged the organizations to make sure everyone has a chance to learn the skills they need to benefit from the AI revolution.

Related:AI a top strategic priority for African execs in 2025 – BCG

"Our new AI Skills Coalition aims to train thousands of people this year, especially those living in regions of the world just getting started on their AI journey, as part of our commitment to ensure that all communities can fully participate in our shared digital future," said Bogdan-Martin.

Closing the AI skills gap

According to the ITU and Deloitte's recent AI for Good Impact Report, approximately 94% of global business leaders consider artificial intelligence essential for their organizations' success.

The report, however, found that key barriers to broader AI adoption globally include a lack of technical skills, the necessity for extensive upskilling and reskilling, and the need to build trust in new technologies. 

The ITU has launched the AI Skills Coalition, an initiative to bridge the global AI skills gap. (Source: rawpixel.com on Freepik)

"Generative AI is rapidly transforming the workforce, with LinkedIn data showing 142 times global increase in professionals adding AI aptitude skills in just one year," said Kate Behncken, global head of Microsoft Philanthropies.

As part of the initiative, the ITU said it will collaborate with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to utilize UNDP's extensive presence in over 170 countries and territories, delivering AI capacity development directly to partner nations.

AI a top priority for African execs

The AI Skills Coalition's objectives to bridge the global AI skills gap comes at a time when other reports are prioritizing the use of AI.

A recent AI Radar report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has shown that 72% of executives in South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco ranked AI and GenAI as a top-three strategic priority for 2025.

That report surveyed over 1,800 C-level executives across 19 markets and 12 industries, including execs in South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco.

Furthermore, the report found that around 37% of those surveyed in African countries said AI is delivering significant value; 60% said AI is promising but has not delivered value yet; and only 3% said it was overhyped and providing no value.