UNESCO and the European Commission signed an agreement to accelerate the global implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on the ethics of AI adopted in November 2021 by the 193 Member States of the Organization. A budget of €4 million will support the least developed countries in establishing their national legislation. 

The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence provides a common normative framework for all countries around the world. Nearly 30 countries have started using this recommendation to establish national legislation ensuring that artificial intelligence respects fundamental freedoms and human rights and benefits all humanity. 

According to Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, in the face of the pressing challenges posed by AI, we need to move faster by providing more support to low-income countries. She commends the decision of the European Commission to join forces with UNESCO in supporting these countries by financing the mobilization of experts and the organization of training. In her opinion, this is multilateral cooperation at its best. 

In a context where concerns over generative AI are growing, the partnership between UNESCO and the European Commission will help low-income countries to develop their strategies and regulations at the national level.  

Among other actions, UNESCO will establish and operationalize a global facility of experts, “AI Ethics Experts without Borders” (AIEB), to provide on-demand support and tailored policy advice to enhance the capacity of Member States’ institutions to implement the recommendation. 

UNESCO will deliver an annual “Global Forum on the Ethics of AI” as a platform for structured learning and sharing of global best practices among AI stakeholders worldwide.  

The UNESCO Recommendation is the first universal normative framework for the ethics of artificial intelligence. It was adopted unanimously by the 193 Member States of UNESCO in November 2021. It is based on promoting and protecting human rights, human dignity, and environmental sustainability. It advances principles such as accountability and the rule of law and includes concrete policy chapters that call for better data governance, inclusivity and gender equality.