AI Skills Coalition is an initiative by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, to democratize AI education across the globe. The AI Skills Coalition has been formed to address Global inequalities in AI knowledge and replenish the skills required for the future concerning AI, collectively referred to as the AI skills gap. 

It is an initiative by ITU to bridge the global AI skills gap and ensure equal worldwide access to artificial intelligence (AI) training. For this, ITU has collaborated with 25 organizations including ​Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, the East Africa Community, and Cognizant, among others. It will serve as an online platform for AI education and capacity building. The platform will be inclusive with its scope ranging from skills training on generative AI to machine learning and finally applying AI for sustainable development.

AI Skills Coalition: Closing AI Skill Gap 

An estimated 94% of global business leaders consider artificial intelligence essential for the success of their organizations, according to research highlighted in the recent AI for Good Impact Report by ITU and Deloitte. However, widespread AI adoption faces significant challenges, including a lack of technical expertise, the pressing need for extensive upskilling and reskilling, and the imperative to build trust in emerging technologies.

Read about Anthropic's latest achievement at: Anthropic bags ISO 42001 certification for responsible AI

AI Skill Coalition: Giving a centre-stage 

The program actively works to address the underrepresentation of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in the development of AI products and services.

AI Skill Coalition: How ill it all be executed?

It unites resources for underserved groups, with a platform launching in March 2025. The platform will have a comprehensive training portfolio and a customizable digital library of AI material. 

Read about other upskilling initiatives in the AI industry at: Microsoft joins hands with IndiaAI to skill over 5 lakh students and professionals in AI innovation

Finally, new programs for the general public and certification courses will be introduced throughout the year and specialized training for governments on AI governance, ethics, and policymaking will be developed to address the unique needs of developing and least developed countries (LDCs).