Andorra's Education Secretary Bardina Pushes Ethical AI, Vocational Training at Key International Forums

Josep Anton Bardina, Andorra's Secretary of State for Education and Universities, took part in two prominent international gatherings last week, advocating for technology that supports educational goals, ethical AI integration, vocational training aligned with economic needs, and policies to safeguard students' emotional health.

Speaking at the XXIX Ibero-American Conference of Ministers of Education in Barcelona on Thursday, Bardina addressed sessions on digital transformation and vocational training. He insisted that technology should serve education rather than dictate it, warning that AI's rise requires rethinking systems through pedagogical, ethical and democratic lenses to foster critical engagement among students. He pointed to Andorra's comprehensive plan for responsible classroom technology use and ongoing legislative reforms to bolster child protection in digital spaces. "The aim of education is still to develop free individuals able to think independently, and AI makes this challenge more pressing than ever," Bardina remarked.

In the vocational training discussion, he promoted Andorra's approach focused on excellence, adaptability and ties to the business community. Bardina stressed elevating vocational education to a core national strategy—essential for employment, social unity and economic strength—rather than a secondary path. Key elements include flexible learning routes, recognition of work experience and businesses' involvement in training. He referenced curriculum updates based on competencies, increased on-the-job learning and the TÀNDEM project to predict labour demands and enable lifelong learning pathways. Bardina urged joint action grounded in cooperation, fairness and sustainability. The conference gathered representatives from 21 Ibero-American nations to strengthen educational collaboration.

Bardina also joined a high-level Vatican City meeting hosted by the Ibero-American Organisation for Education, Science and Culture (OEI) and the Holy See. Entitled "Maps of Hope for a Regional Education Agenda: Mental Health, Digital Technologies and Education," the event convened policymakers and specialists to tackle pressing issues. Bardina called for education strategies that secure young people's emotional wellbeing and steer digital shifts with pedagogical and social priorities. "A system's quality is now judged by its ability to shield students' emotional health and channel technology to human ends. This demands immediate political action," he declared. The forum underscored schools' role in promoting social bonds and holistic growth.