Following calls by over 1000 tech workers for a pause in training the most powerful AI systems, UNESCO asks countries to implement its recommendations on the Ethics of AI without further ado. This global normative framework was adopted unanimously by the 193 member states of the organizations. Moreover, the framework provides nations with all the necessary safeguards. 

UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI is the first global framework for the ethical use of AI. It guides nations in maximizing the benefits of AI and reducing the risk it entails. It consists of values and principles and detailed policy recommendations in all relevant areas. 

According to UNESCO statistics, AI can provide millions of students with support to complete secondary education, fill an additional 3.3 million jobs, and, more urgently, help us tackle the spread and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It called for a human-centered AI for the greater interest of the people, not the other way around. 

UNESCO’s concerns lie in the ethical issues raised by AI innovations, particularly discrimination and stereotyping, including the issue of gender inequality, the fight against disinformation, the right to privacy, the protection of personal data, and human and environmental rights. 

The organization believes that industry self-regulation is not sufficient to avoid these ethical harms, which is why the recommendation provides the tools to ensure that AI developments abide by the rule of law, avoiding harm and ensuring that when harm is done, accountability and redressal mechanisms are at hand for those affected. 

UNESCO’s Recommendation places a readiness assessment tool at the core of its guidance to member states. The tool enables countries to ascertain the competencies and skills required in the workforce to ensure robust regulations of the AI sector.  

More than 50 countries in all regions of the world are working with UNESCO to develop AI checks and balances at the national level.  

“The world needs stronger ethical rules for artificial intelligence: this is the challenge of our time. UNESCO’s Recommendation on the ethics of AI sets the appropriate normative framework. Our Member States all endorsed this Recommendation in November 2021. It is high time to implement the strategies and regulations at the national level. We have to walk the talk and ensure we deliver on the Recommendation’s objectives”, said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director- General in a statement released.