[Buriram, Thailand, March 25, 2026] Huawei, UNESCO, and the Ministry of Education have launched a Technology-enabled Open Schools for All (Open Schools) project covering all of Thailand.
The launch, which took place at Buriram Pitthayakhom School on March 4, follows the completion of pilot Open Schools projects in rural secondary schools in Buriram and Sisaket provinces, located in the northeastern region of Isan. The successful outcomes of these two projects, which were completed at the end of 2025, have demonstrated that the Open Schools initiative is scalable to rural schools nationwide.
“The UNESCO-Huawei Funds-in-Trust Project on Technology-Enabled Open Schools for All stands as a powerful example of collaboration dedicated to transforming education into a system that is open, inclusive, flexible, and resilient in the face of a rapidly changing world,” said Chitralada Chanyaem, Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai National Commission for UNESCO Bureau of International Cooperation, Office of the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education. “As the future of education cannot be confined within classroom walls, it must bridge sectors and communities, working collaboratively to create equitable and sustainable opportunities for all.”
The project in Thailand focuses on strengthening digital infrastructure in underserved areas, ensuring schools have access to reliable and modern learning environments.
In Buriram and Sisaket, Open Schools:
- installed smart classroom solutions in 10 secondary schools, benefiting around 4,000 students
- provided digital teaching tools and training for 150 teachers to integrate ICT into classrooms.
“Huawei believes technology should be a force for narrowing gaps and expanding opportunities,” said Li Zongsheng, Board Director, Huawei Technologies Thailand. “When applied effectively, it can turn geographic barriers into connections. The Open Schools for All initiative is not simply about infrastructure — it represents a commitment to using technology as a bridge to deliver quality education to remote and underserved communities.”
With digital tools, smart screens, and cloud-enabled learning support, all of the participating schools now have access to smart classroom technology.
Scalability and bridging the urban-rural education divide by empowering students and teachers with technology, including AI, are key approaches of the Open Schools strategy.
“At UNESCO, we are committed to promoting the ethical and inclusive use of AI in ways that empower teachers and expand opportunities for every learner,” said Marina Patrier, UNESCO Bangkok’s Deputy Director and Chief of Education. “While Smart Classrooms provide important tools, it is teachers’ creativity, professional judgement and leadership that ultimately bring these innovations to life.”
UNESCO and Huawei launched the Open Schools initiative in 2020. Phase I ran from 2020 to 2023 in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana. Phase II was launched in Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand in 2023, with projects currently ongoing in Brazil and Egypt.
Phase I outcomes
- In Egypt, Open Schools supports 950,000 K-12 educators through the National Distance Learning Centre, and has provided training in digital skills for 300 teachers. The National Distance Learning Centre is designed to enhance remote learning and digital literacy for 950,000 K-12 educators in underserved communities.
- In Ghana, the project benefits 1,000 teachers and 3,000 students in 10 pilot schools.
- In Ethiopia, Open Schools benefits 12,000 students and 250 educators in 24 secondary schools.
- In Ghana and Ethiopia, the project has also enhanced national education platforms, which are now available to students and educators in both countries nationwide.
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