AI and education in crisis contexts

Bridging gaps and creating opportunities

Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT 
Online only: https://www.brookings.edu/events/ai-and-education-in-crisis-contexts/ 

Amid ongoing armed conflicts, climate change, forced displacement, and other prolonged crises, nearly a quarter of a billion children—an increase of 35 million over the past three years—are deprived of access to quality education.

As the global community seeks innovative solutions to address these complex challenges, the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a promising opportunity to support the learning needs of children in crisis by expanding access, personalizing instruction, and strengthening educational systems in even the most fragile contexts. Multiple initiatives have sought to use generative AI for good in crisis contexts. AI-powered platforms have the potential to shift how learning happens, including by providing tailored learning experiences and assisting in synthesizing relevant learning materials.

On May 13, the Center for Universal Education will host a panel discussion on emerging strategies for using AI in education in crisis contexts. Moderated by senior fellow and director Rebecca Winthrop, the discussion will feature:

• Jamie Alexandre: Co-founder and co-executive director of Learning Equality, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children’s learning in the most marginalized contexts
• Krista Belen Rivas Gutierrez: global leader in the Tertiary Refugee Student Network, a student led network that aims to increase refugee self-reliance by connecting refugee learners and alumni at the local, national, and global level
• Mati Amin: co-founder and CEO of SOLAx, a WhatsApp based online academy where students can access daily, asynchronous class work in three languages.

Viewers can submit questions for the speakers by emailing events@brookings.edu or on X @BrookingsGlobal using #AIinEducation.