LJUBLJANA: Eight major global technology companies, including Microsoft, Mastercard, and others, have committed to building “more ethical” artificial intelligence (AI) in alignment with UNESCO’s framework of principles. The pledge was made at the second UNESCO Global Forum on AI, held in the Slovenian city of Kranj.
The commitment follows UNESCO’s adoption in 2021 of its “Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence,” which centers on promoting and protecting human rights, human dignity, and ensuring diversity and inclusiveness in AI development.
In addition to Microsoft and Mastercard, the six signatory firms are GSMA, the Lenovo Group, INNIT, LG AI Research, Salesforce, and Telefonica. The agreement outlines the companies’ commitment to integrating the values and principles of UNESCO’s 2021 framework when designing and deploying AI systems.
UNESCO’s Framework of Principles for AI
As part of the pledge, the signatories are obligated to guarantee human rights in the entire AI lifecycle—from design and development to purchase, sale, and usage. The companies also commit to conducting due diligence to meet safety standards, identify adverse effects of AI, and work towards preventing and mitigating these effects.
UNESCO Chief Audrey Azoulay emphasized the significance of the public and private sectors collaborating to build AI for the common good. She stated, “This alliance of the public and private sectors is critical to building AI for the common good,” highlighting the importance of the commitment from global tech companies.
