UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the first global framework establishing shared principles to guide the responsible design, development, deployment, and use of AI. Adopted unanimously by UNESCO’s 193 Member States in 2021, it aims to ensure AI technologies promote human dignity, social well-being, sustainable development, and peace, while minimizing risks and harms.

The framework is grounded in human rights and fundamental freedoms, emphasizing respect for equality, privacy, non-discrimination, and freedom of expression. AI should be human-centred, keeping humans in control of decision-making, particularly in sensitive sectors such as education, healthcare, law enforcement, and public administration.

Fairness and inclusion are central to UNESCO AI ethics. It highlights the risks of bias and discrimination and calls for proactive measures to ensure gender equality, cultural diversity, and inclusion of marginalized groups. The Recommendation also stresses reducing digital divides so that AI benefits are equitably shared, particularly in developing countries.

Transparency, accountability, and explainability are promoted, with ethical impact assessments, clear responsibilities, and oversight mechanisms encouraged to build public trust. Sustainability is also emphasized, urging energy-efficient AI and responsible practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNESCO further highlights the importance of education, capacity building, and international cooperation to strengthen ethical AI research, policymaking, and governance.

In Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Digital Economy is aligning the national AI strategy with UNESCO guidelines, promoting inclusive policymaking, public consultation, stakeholder engagement, and transparency to foster ethical, equitable, and sustainable AI adoption.