UNESCO and European Union are partnering to advance responsible AI and will develop joint initiatives that promote and implement UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, approved by 193 member states at the UNESCO General Conference in November 2021. The recommendation on the ethics of AI stands as the pioneering universal normative framework in the realm of AI ethics.
To this end, UNESCO will take several initiatives, one of which involves the creation and activation of a global resource called 'AI Ethics Experts without Borders' (AIEB). This initiative will consist of a network of experts who will be available to offer specialised assistance and customised policy guidance to strengthen the capabilities of institutions in member states to effectively implement the UNESCO Recommendation.
Moreover, UNESCO will organise a yearly event called the 'Global Forum on the Ethics of AI.' This forum will serve as a platform for fostering structured learning and facilitating the exchange of global best practices among stakeholders involved in AI. Additionally, UNESCO will undertake the development of a toolkit specifically designed for judicial operators. This toolkit will provide valuable resources and guidance on the ethical implications of AI, assisting judicial professionals in navigating the complexities associated with AI.
Finally, the UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, welcomed the decision of the European Commission to work with UNESCO to support developing countries by funding the mobilisation of experts and training organisations. For that, the European Commission will provide funding of 4 million euros.