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UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Voluntary standardUNESCO Recommendation

Summary

A global ethics framework adopted by UNESCO's 193 member states. It includes practical tools: the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), applied by several Latin American governments, and the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA) for public procurement of AI. It does not bind companies.

Who it applies to

Member states; a voluntary reference for organizations, especially those selling AI to the public sector.

Penalties

The rule has no penalty regime of its own, or it does not apply.

Official name
UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (SHS/BIO/PI/2021/1)
Official reference
Adoptada por la 41.ª Conferencia General de la UNESCO, 23 de noviembre de 2021
Regulator
UNESCO
Official source
Check the sourceHow we verify sources

Key dates

Obligations and dates

Obligations table
ObligationArticle or citationStatusDateWho it applies toVerification
Ethical values and principles in the AI policyRecomendación UNESCO, secciones III.1 y III.2Voluntary standardAlready applicableRecommended for any organization that uses AI.Verified in the official source on November 4, 2026
Ethical impact assessment for public-sector projectsRecomendación UNESCO, ámbito de actuación 1; herramienta EIA (2023)Voluntary standardAlready applicableRecommended if you are a public body or supply AI to the public sector.Verified in the official source on November 4, 2026

Ethical values and principles in the AI policy

Recomendación UNESCO, secciones III.1 y III.2Voluntary standard

Already applicable

When it relates
Recommended for any organization that uses AI.
What the rule provides
  • Build human rights, non-discrimination, human oversight and sustainability into AI principles.
  • Measure team readiness and promote an ethical culture.
Typical evidence
  • Approved principles and readiness survey results
Related base documents
Verification
Verified in the official source on November 4, 2026Checked on unesco.org (Legal Affairs): adopted Nov 23, 2021 at the 41st session of the General Conference; Sections III.1 (values) and III.2 (principles).

Ethical impact assessment for public-sector projects

Recomendación UNESCO, ámbito de actuación 1; herramienta EIA (2023)Voluntary standard

Already applicable

When it relates
Recommended if you are a public body or supply AI to the public sector.
What the rule provides
  • Assess the system's ethical impact before procurement or deployment, with input from affected parties.
Typical evidence
  • Documented ethical impact assessment
Verification
Verified in the official source on November 4, 2026Checked on unesco.org: Policy Area 1 calls for impact assessment frameworks, such as ethical impact assessment. The EIA tool was published on Aug 28, 2023 (UNESDOC pf0000386276) and is aimed mainly at procurers of AI systems.

Related rules

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