Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The use of artificial intelligence in education needs to be subject to supervision and independent evaluations. Only then, argues Ben Williamson, will schools be able to maintain their mission of developing critical thinking and shaping the citizens of tomorrow.

Machine learning is a “field of study that gives computer the ability to learn without explicitly being programmed”. It is closely related to, and uses methods from, other fields such as statistics, computer science and artificial intelligence.

Industry 4.0, often interchangeably called the fourth industrial revolution, refers to the smart and connected production systems made possible by new technologies, particularly involving the increased use of automation and data exchanges (UNIDO, 2017). The technologies identified as part of industry 4.0 vary by source, yet it is commonly understood that artificial intelligence, the Internet of things, big data, robotics and three-dimensional printing are integral parts of this new wave (UNCTAD, 2019a; UNCTAD, 2021a).

Since 2022, schools in the province of Mendoza have been using artificial intelligence to detect the pupils most likely to drop out early.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being harnessed to tackle two of the most challenging problems today – the flagrant proliferation of fake news and the increasing invasion of individual privacy. Factmata, which uses AI to fight disinformation and D-ID, which protects identities from facial recognition systems using AI, were two of the ten winners of the 2019 Netexplo awards, presented at UNESCO Headquarters in April.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics, amongst others, have been mobilized to fight against the pandemic. But it is also important that digital technologies serve the needs of the Sustainable Development Goals. This report reviews the status of digital frontier technologies in the Asia-Pacific region. It stresses that the policy framework for the next generation of technology and innovation should focus on creating an enabling environment for digital frontier technologies to positively impact economy, society, and environment; and to reduce inequalities.

International harmonization and interoperability of regulations of products with embedded artificial intelligence (AI) or other digital technologies is a challenge for regulators, but essential in order to achieve regulatory objectives, while avoiding unnecessary technical barriers to trade and multiplication of conformity testing. This task is complicated by the fact that products with embedded AI might change throughout their lifecycle after receiving distant updates, well after they have been released on the market. This publication establishes the overarching principles which should be taken into consideration for product regulations which largely reflects the principles set out in the United Nations General Assembly “Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development” (A/78/L.49) and the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI (SHS/BIO/PI/2021/1) and the WHO Ethics and governance of AI for health. This publication also builds upon the standards that exist today in this field. It is also compatible with the regulations on the topic which have been published to date. The UNECE WP.6 proposes in the annex of this publication a declaration that government agencies can sign in order to demonstrate their intention to work towards these overarching principles in their product regulation.

This report, co-authored by the United Nations and the International Labour Organization, addresses the critical issue of the uneven adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for global equity, fairness, and social justice. Disparities in access to digital infrastructure, advanced technology, quality education, and training are deepening existing inequalities, particularly as the global economy shifts towards AI-driven production and innovation. Less developed countries risk being left behind, exacerbating economic and social divides. The report stresses the importance of targeted and concerted efforts to bridge this digital divide to ensure AI's potential to foster sustainable development and alleviate poverty. It highlights the role of the workplace in AI adoption, where productivity gains and improved working conditions can be achieved with the right conditions, including digital infrastructure, skills, and a culture of social dialogue. Promoting inclusive growth requires proactive strategies to support AI development in disadvantaged regions, enhance digital infrastructure, build AI skills, and ensure good quality jobs along the AI value chain. International collaboration in AI capacity building is crucial to create a more equitable and resilient AI ecosystem, unlocking opportunities for shared prosperity and human advancement worldwide. The report calls for continued collaborative efforts to shape global AI governance, uphold human dignity and labour standards, and expand economic opportunities for all.

Technological advances have revolutionized communications, connecting people on a previously unthinkable scale. They have supported communities in times of crisis, elevated marginalized voices and helped mobilize global movements for racial justice and gender equality. Yet these same advances have enabled the spread of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech at an unprecedented volume, velocity and virality, risking the integrity of the information ecosystem. New and escalating risks stemming from leaps in AI technologies have made strengthening information integrity one of the urgent tasks of our time. This clear and present global threat demands coordinated international action. The United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity show us another future is possible.