The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday called on countries to implement its global ethical framework immediately after pleas by more than 1,000 technical workers to stop training most of them. Powerful AI systems.
The agency said in a statement that the “Artificial Intelligence Ethics Recommendation” provides all the necessary safeguards.
“The world needs stronger ethics for AI: this is the challenge of our time. The UNESCO Recommendation on Ethics for Artificial Intelligence sets out the appropriate normative framework. Our Member States all endorsed this recommendation in November 2021. The time has come to implement it,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in a statement. Statement: “Strategies and Regulations at the National Level”.
This is the first global framework for the ethical use of artificial intelligence and has been unanimously adopted by the organization’s 193 member states.
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 13: Audrey Azoulay, is seen during the appointment of Choelle Abing as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Paris at UNESCO on June 13, 2022, in Paris, France. ((Photo by Edouard Berthelot/Getty Images))
UNESCO said it guides countries on how to maximize the benefits of the tool and minimize its risks, making policy recommendations along with values and principles.
The group added that it was concerned about the many ethical issues raised by the innovations, which highlight discrimination and stereotypes in particular, as well as the fight against misinformation, the right to privacy, the protection of personal data and Human rights and the environment.
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A picture taken on October 12, 2017 shows the logo of the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris. ((Jacques Demarton/AFP via Getty Images))
“It is clear that industry self-regulation is not sufficient to avoid these moral harms, which is why the Recommendation provides the tools to ensure that AI developments adhere to the rule of law, avoid harm and ensure that when harm occurs, accountability and redress mechanisms are within reach for those affected.”
A man walks past the logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France. ((Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images))
Notably, the Recommendation places the readiness assessment tool at the heart of its guidance. The tool enables countries to identify competencies and skills required in the workforce to ensure strong regulation of the AI sector. Moreover, it also stipulates that member states regularly report on their progress and practices in the field of artificial intelligence, and submit a relevant report every four years.
To date, more than 40 countries are working with UNESCO to develop AI checks and balances at the national level. A progress report will be presented at the UNESCO Global Forum on AI Ethics in Slovenia in December this year.
Founding member of UNESCO, The United States withdrew from the agency – and not the first time – under the Trump administration.