UNICEF’s Learning Cabinet and EdTech for Good

Webinar recap: EdTech evidence, evaluation and UNICEF’s EdTech initiatives

On February 3rd 2026, the International Centre for EdTech Impact hosted a webinar featuring UNICEF’s Global Learning Innovation Hub, focusing on the future of EdTech evidence and evaluation. During the session, UNICEF presented its EdTech for Good initiative and the UNICEF-led Learning Cabinet, which supports governments in identifying safe, effective, and scalable EdTech solutions.

The Learning Cabinet application call opened on February 13 and is now accepting applications from EdTech providers until March 13.

Below is a short summary of the three key themes discussed in the webinar.

EdTech for Good

UNICEF’s EdTech for Good initiative responds to the global learning crisis, particularly in low-resource contexts where classrooms are overcrowded, connectivity is limited, devices are shared, and teachers often lack sufficient pedagogical and digital support. In such settings, EdTech represents both an opportunity and a risk: technology can expand access to learning, but poorly designed or unsupported solutions can exacerbate inequities or fail to deliver impact.

EdTech for Good provides a practical framework to guide governments, donors, and EdTech providers toward solutions that are safe, pedagogically sound, inclusive, and supported by evidence. The initiative emphasises responsible design, child safety, data protection, accessibility, and a focus on learning outcomes, alongside realistic pathways for system-level adoption and scale.

The Learning Cabinet

As part of the EdTech for Good pathway, the UNICEF-led Learning Cabinet serves as a curated online repository of vetted EdTech solutions for governments and education decision-makers. Tools listed in the Learning Cabinet have gone through UNICEF’s evaluation process, which assesses safety, pedagogical quality, evidence of impact, readiness for scale, and equity considerations.

High-potential solutions may also be supported through UNICEF’s acceleration and implementation portfolio, which connects EdTech providers with countries for real-world pilots and system-level rollouts. This approach aims to move beyond fragmented pilots toward sustainable integration of EdTech within national education systems, supported by continuous learning and evidence generation in collaboration with research partners, including the International Centre for EdTech Impact.

How can your EdTech organisation be part of this process?

EdTech companies and organisations can apply to the Learning Cabinet through a multi-stage evaluation process. The first step is a short, online, quick assessment, including basic eligibility checks (such as legal incorporation, privacy policy, and active use of the tool). Eligible solutions are then reviewed through human pre-screening and, if successful, invited to complete a full assessment covering safety, data protection, pedagogy, impact evidence, technical readiness, and accessibility.

Evaluations are conducted by independent experts and reviewed by a Learning Cabinet committee. The process is free of charge and developmental in nature: applicants receive feedback even if they are not listed, and they can reapply after addressing identified gaps. For providers, the Learning Cabinet offers increased visibility to governments, opportunities for country-level matchmaking, and pathways toward paid pilots and system-level partnerships.

You can watch the full webinar recording here:

For more information about UNICEF’s EdTech for Good initiative or the Learning Cabinet, please contact: learningcabinet@unicef.org