UNESCO, TESDA and HP Foundation expand digital and AI skills training in the Philippines
Filipino learners will gain access to HP LIFE digital and AI courses through a collaboration supported by UNESCO.
UNESCO, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the HP Foundation are expanding access to free digital skills and AI courses in the Philippines through the UNESCO Global Skills Academy. The initiative will make HP LIFE courses available through the TESDA Online Program, the country’s national eLearning platform.
TESDA said the collaboration will provide learners with access to free digital and entrepreneurship training aligned with evolving industry needs. The courses are intended to help learners develop practical digital skills and competencies that are increasingly in demand across the digital economy.
HP LIFE is a free business and digital skills training programme run by the HP Foundation. Its courses introduce learners to key AI concepts, responsible AI use, and practical applications of AI in business and everyday work, alongside topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing and finance.
The collaboration is facilitated via the UNESCO Global Skills Academy, which works with international organisations, governments, and industry partners to expand access to quality skills development opportunities. The academy aims to help 10 million young people and adults worldwide develop skills that improve employability by 2029.
TESDA said the partnership will help expand access to high-quality and industry-relevant training for learners across the Philippines. The initiative is expected to strengthen digital, entrepreneurial and AI-related skills that can enhance employment opportunities and livelihoods.
Why does it matter?
Digital skills and AI literacy are increasingly important for participation in modern economies, yet access to high-quality training remains uneven in many parts of the world. Expanding access to free online learning opportunities can help individuals develop skills that improve employability, entrepreneurship and participation in the digital economy.
The initiative also reflects a broader trend of collaboration between international organisations, governments and the private sector to address digital skills gaps. As AI becomes more widely used across industries, programmes that combine digital literacy, AI awareness and practical workforce skills are becoming an increasingly important component of national development and workforce strategies.
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