> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://experience-digital-transform.gitbook.io/experience-digital-transformation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://experience-digital-transform.gitbook.io/experience-digital-transformation/dpi-for-education/charter-for-public-digital-learning-platforms/beyond-the-principles-and-call-to-action.md). # Beyond the Principles and Call to Action ## Call to Action In the physical world, public schools require constant care and dedication to remain functional, relevant, and trusted. Public digital learning platforms demand commensurate care and dedication. This is not to suggest that digital learning platforms are equivalent to schools. They are not. Well-run schools remain far more important and can support the holistic well-being and educational needs of learners far better than the best digital platforms. Good digital learning platforms are simply new and necessary branches of educational infrastructure that, when correctly developed and implemented, strengthen education as a human right and a public good while extending its reach. The seven principles elaborated in the UNESCO-UNICEF-ITU Charter explain how governments and the people they serve might wish to design and develop public digital learning platforms that respond to educational needs and improve learning, in concert with schools and other educational institutions and spaces. The principles will need to be contextualized to address the unique realities of diverse national and subnational education contexts. Ultimately, this Charter is a call to place digital learning platforms for public education in public hands. Oversight and regulation of public digital learning platforms should be led by education authorities, teachers, and other officials who serve the public and are accountable to the public. The time has come to support education as a human right and a public good in online as well as in offline realms. People deserve digital spaces that complement and enrich education provided in the vital physical and social spaces of schools. Public digital learning platforms are integral components of holistic education systems. Governments are encouraged to develop and improve digital learning platforms according to the principles and recommendations in this Charter. UNESCO, UNICEF, and ITU will work collaboratively with relevant educational authorities who wish to take this step. ### Acknowledgements & Contact This Charter is an output of the UNESCO-UNICEF Gateways to Public Digital Learning Initiative. The initiative, which grew out of the Transforming Education Summit in 2022, helps countries establish and improve national and subnational public digital learning platforms. It provides governments an international platform to share information about how digital learning platforms are developed, funded, maintained, governed, owned, and implemented — and what impacts they have. This Charter reflects knowledge and understandings gained through close cooperation with countries that are members of the Gateways Initiative, including: Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Finland, Ghana, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Malaysia, Malawi, Malta, Mongolia, Singapore, South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, the United States of America, Uruguay, and Zambia, among others. The Charter text was developed by UNESCO, UNICEF, and ITU with input from an advisory group of 14 international experts, and drawing on knowledge from the Gateways Initiative as well as the Giga Initiative, a UNICEF-ITU endeavour to support governments in connecting schools to the internet. The international experts came from a variety of organizations with specialization in digital learning platforms, including: Creative Commons, the EdTech Hub, Education International, Smart Africa, the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the World Bank. The Charter was refined based on a series of consultations with representatives from Gateways member countries. The Charter was opened for public comment and adjusted in line with input received through this process. The Charter was finalized by UNESCO, UNICEF, and ITU and released on the occasion of the International Day of Digital Learning in 2026. The Charter will guide and support country efforts to develop and strengthen public digital learning platforms. ### Stay in Touch * * * * [unesco.org/en/digital-education/learning-platforms-gateway](https://www.unesco.org/en/digital-education/learning-platforms-gateway) * [unicef.org/digitaleducation/gateways-public-digital-learning](https://www.unicef.org/digitaleducation/gateways-public-digital-learning) * [itu.int/en/action/gateways-public-digital-learning](https://www.itu.int/en/action/gateways-public-digital-learning) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. 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