#329 AI, Sovereignty and the New Education Divide

#329 AI, Sovereignty and the New Education Divide

June 5, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 329

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of AI on education and the divide between countries in shaping technological change.

AI, Sovereignty and the New Education Divide In this thought-provoking episode of The EdTech Podcast , Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Tom Orrell and Cameron Mirza about education, AI, global development and the growing divide between countries that can shape technological change — and those at risk of having it shaped for them. Tom, Deputy Director of Programs at Development Gateway, brings a background in human rights law, digital policy, sustainable development and humanitarian action. Cameron, Chief of Party for the Assas programme in Jordan, brings deep experience from the UK Department for Education and large-scale education reform across the Middle East. Together, they explore how their different professional routes have led to a shared focus on equity, ethics, implementation and meaningful system change. The conversation begins with the human story behind their work: family connections to teaching, personal motivations, and the values that have shaped their careers. Cameron reflects on how his mother's work as a primary school teacher continues to influence his commitment to early-grade education, while Tom shares how his own route through human rights, law and digital…

People in this episode

Host: Philippa Wraithmell

Guests: Tom Orrell, Cameron Mirza

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Development Gateway, Assas programme

Places: Jordan, UK

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