The Initiative for Digital Literacy Enhancement of Global South Teachers was launched on May 12 at a parallel session titled "Preparing Teachers for Schools of the Future" during the 2026 World Digital Education Conference in Hangzhou. Initiated by the Africa Division of the Institute of Global Teacher Development, it is the world's first international action plan specifically designed to improve teachers’ digital literacy in developing countries. It aims to help Global South countries address common challenges in digital education transformation, representing China’s pragmatic efforts to deepen South–South cooperation and participation in global education governance.
To address challenges related to infrastructure, resources, and teacher training in digital education transformation, the Initiative introduces a four-pronged implementation framework focusing on coordinated mechanisms, capacity building, demonstration projects, and platform support. Key measures include: 1) establishing a Global South collaboration mechanism to improve teachers' digital literacy by engaging international organizations, education authorities, higher education institutions, and enterprises; 2) providing tiered training through internationally recognized platforms such as UNESCO's Global Teacher Campus to enhance capacity building in digital skills and integrated application; 3) jointly building "digital education lighthouse schools" in selected countries to create replicable models for local transformation; and 4) leveraging existing overseas platforms such as Confucius Institutes and Luban Workshops to provide localized support for local teachers.
The Initiative has three defining features: 1) filling a gap in coordinated international action on teachers’ digital literacy in the Global South, 2) creating a new multi-stakeholder cooperation model, and 3) emphasizing practical, locally adapted implementation.
The Institute of Global Teacher Development's Africa Division (which is based at Zhejiang Normal University) will coordinate implementation of the Initiative. Over the next three years, the Initiative will focus on launching flagship projects, including cooperation mechanisms, co-developed advanced training courses, and pilot "lighthouse schools", thereby contributing China's experience and solutions to improving teachers' digital literacy worldwide.
