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Connectivity alone does not guarantee equitable, meaningful digital learning. Countries also need secure, interoperable and publicly governed digital systems that turn connectivity into long-term educational value. 

The UNESCO–UNICEF–ITU Charter for Public Digital Learning Platforms sets out a shared international reference framework to guide how public digital learning platforms are designed, governed and integrated into national education systems. It is an output of the Gateways to Public Digital Learning Initiative, developed jointly by UNESCO, UNICEF and ITU with input from an advisory group of 14 international experts and from countries participating in the Initiative. 

“Learning is increasingly happening online, and our public education systems need to keep pace. That means building digital foundations that are safe, interoperable, and designed to protect learners. ITU is ready to support countries in transforming the principles of this Charter into inclusive, secure and trusted digital education platforms that leave no learner behind." 

— Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, ITU 

The seven principles 

The Charter holds that public digital learning platforms should be: 

• Public – governed in the public interest, with clear accountability and transparency, and owned for the long term. 
• Inclusive – accessible to all learners and teachers, regardless of language, ability, connectivity or socioeconomic context. 
• Pedagogical – designed to strengthen teaching and learning and support the role of teachers. 
• Complementary – aligned with national curricula and integrated with existing digital infrastructure, rather than adding fragmentation. 
• Open – built on open standards and modular, interoperable architectures that avoid vendor lock-in. 
• Focused – grounded in real educational needs and developed in a practical, user-centred way. 
• Trustworthy – safe and reliable, protecting learner data and wellbeing while ensuring quality content. 

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