The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) in Chennai and the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (UNESCO MGIEP) signed a cooperation agreement on 1 September 2026 to develop next-generation AI and immersive learning technologies. The partnership combines UNESCO MGIEP’s work in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) with IIT Madras expertise in artificial intelligence, Extended Reality (XR), and game design.
AI in Education
The initiative focuses on open-source digital learning tools for classrooms. The tools are designed to support personalised learning, interactive teaching, and learner-centric education. The AI models are intended to remain low-cost and usable in low-bandwidth environments.
Institutional Roles
UNESCO MGIEP is a UNESCO Category 1 institute based in India and works on education for peace and sustainable development. IIT Madras is an Institute of National Importance established in 1959 under the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961. The Experiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) at IIT Madras works in immersive technologies and human-computer interaction.
Research and Pedagogy
The partnership includes joint research in educational technology, pedagogy, and learning sciences. It also provides for mutual exchanges of faculty and researchers. The tools are expected to provide scaffolding for lesson plans and assessments that include SEL concepts.
Important Facts for Exams
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is an educational approach that develops self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
- Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term for virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality.
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 covers quality education, and target 4.7 relates to education for sustainable development and global citizenship.
- Open-source software allows users to access, modify, and share source code under the terms of its licence.
Global Education Context
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, founded in 1945. UNESCO MGIEP works on digital learning, peace education, and social-emotional competencies in school systems.
