Wayne Holmes, PhD (Oxon), is Full Professor of ‘Critical Studies of Artificial Intelligence and Education’ at the UCL Institute of Education, University College London. He also holds a UNESCO Chair in the Ethics of AI and Education at the International Research Centre on AI (a UNESCO Category 2 centre, Jožef Stefan Institute, Slovenia) and is a Foreign Expert at Beijing Normal University Zhuhai. His research applies a critical studies lens to the ethical, human rights, and social justice implications of teaching and learning with AI.Professor Holmes offers extensive expertise with national and international agencies. He has advised the ministries of education in Cyprus, Portugal, and the UK; served as a consultant for multiple UNESCO units (co–authoring ‘AI and Education: Guidance for Policy–makers’ (2021) and ‘Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research’ (2023)); and is a lead member of the Council of Europe’s AI and education expert group, which is developing a legal instrument to regulate AI in education to protect the rights of students and teachers, and a Committee of Ministers Recommendation for AI literacy that prioritises the human dimension of AI. His international advisory portfolio also includes supporting the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education and a long–standing collaboration with the Asia–Europe Foundation.Professor Holmes offers a unique and critical perspective on the intersection of AI, human rights, education and global governance. His experience in complex multistakeholder environments and his record of keynotes in over 30 countries will enable him to provide nuanced advice on the MAG’s consultation processes. He seeks to ensure that IGF programming effectively addresses the digital divide and social justice. By bridging academic research and intergovernmental policymaking, he offers an evidence–based approach to shaping technology governance, ensuring human rights remain central to the global digital agenda.
