🌍Global (194 member states) · Recommendation

UNESCO AI Ethics

UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI

Published November 2021

Chapter 01

Overview

The First Global Standard on AI Ethics

UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI

Adopted in November 2021 by all 194 UNESCO member states, the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is the first global normative instrument on AI ethics. It provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring that AI technologies respect human rights, promote social justice, and contribute to sustainable development.

The Recommendation is unique in its global reach and its emphasis on the needs of developing countries, indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities. It goes beyond technical standards to address the broader societal, cultural, and environmental implications of AI.

Chapter 02

Values and Principles

Ethical Foundation for AI Development

Core Values

The Recommendation is built on four foundational values:

**Human Rights and Human Dignity** — AI systems must respect, protect, and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in international law.

**Living in Peaceful, Just, and Interconnected Societies** — AI should contribute to peaceful coexistence, social justice, and interconnectedness among peoples and nations.

**Ensuring Diversity and Inclusiveness** — AI systems should respect and promote diversity in all its forms and ensure inclusive participation in AI development and governance.

**Environment and Ecosystem Flourishing** — AI should be developed and used in ways that protect and promote the health of the natural environment and ecosystems.

Ten Guiding Principles

The Recommendation establishes ten principles to guide AI governance:

**1. Proportionality and Do No Harm** — AI methods should be proportionate to legitimate aims and should not be used in ways that cause harm.

**2. Safety and Security** — Unwanted harms and vulnerabilities should be avoided and addressed throughout the AI lifecycle.

**3. Fairness and Non-Discrimination** — AI actors should promote social justice, fairness, and non-discrimination.

**4. Sustainability** — AI should be assessed against sustainability objectives including environmental impact.

**5. Right to Privacy and Data Protection** — Privacy must be protected throughout the AI lifecycle.

**6. Human Oversight and Determination** — Humans should retain the ability to make the final decision.

**7. Transparency and Explainability** — AI systems should be transparent and explainable appropriate to context.

**8. Responsibility and Accountability** — AI actors should be responsible and accountable.

**9. Awareness and Literacy** — Public understanding of AI should be promoted.

**10. Multi-Stakeholder Governance** — Participation of diverse stakeholders is essential.

Chapter 03

Policy Areas

Concrete Actions for Member States

Key Policy Action Areas

The Recommendation calls for concrete policy action in several areas:

**Ethical Impact Assessment** — Member states should establish mechanisms for ethical impact assessment of AI systems, particularly those that may affect human rights or vulnerable populations.

**Ethical Governance and Stewardship** — Governments should establish regulatory frameworks, oversight mechanisms, and institutional structures for AI governance.

**Data Policy** — Comprehensive data governance frameworks should ensure data quality, privacy, and appropriate use.

**Development and International Cooperation** — Special attention should be given to the needs of developing countries, including technology transfer, capacity building, and equitable access to AI benefits.

**Environment** — AI's environmental impact should be monitored and minimized, and AI should be leveraged to address environmental challenges.

**Gender** — AI systems should be designed to promote gender equality and prevent gender-based discrimination.

**Culture** — AI should respect and promote cultural diversity and linguistic heritage.

**Education and Research** — AI literacy should be promoted at all levels of education, and AI research should be guided by ethical principles.

**Health and Social Well-Being** — AI in healthcare should prioritize patient safety, equity, and informed consent.

**Economy and Labour** — AI's impact on employment should be managed through reskilling, social protection, and fair transition policies.

February 2026