In a move that underscores Thailand’s growing prominence on the world’s technology stage, Bangkok has been chosen by UNESCO to host the 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. The landmark event convenes global leaders, policymakers, tech giants, and civil society to collectively navigate the future of AI, culminating in the launch of a new Global Network of AI Regulators, positioning the Thai capital at the epicenter of international tech governance dialogue.
Bangkok, Thailand – The forum, a critical gathering in an era of rapid technological advancement, serves as the primary platform for advancing UNESCO’s groundbreaking “Recommendation on the Ethics of AI,” the world’s sole global standard for the technology. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, in her powerful opening address, lauded Thailand’s unique capacity to harmonize rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge innovation, making it the ideal backdrop for this crucial conversation.
“It is a great honor and pleasure to be here in Bangkok to discuss the critical ethical challenges of artificial intelligence,” Ms. Azoulay stated. “We are here, in Thailand, a country where tradition and modernity beautifully intertwine. Thailand is not only one of the most digitally connected nations in the world, but it is also a place where a precious culture—one UNESCO is proud to have long partnered with—uniquely blends spiritual, scientific, artistic, and ethical values. This is evident in its treasured World Heritage sites, from the former capital of Sukhothai to the Phu Phra Bat archaeological site, and its intangible heritage like ‘Songkran,’ which reflects a welcome and respect for all life. It is here, in this land, that we wish to reaffirm the values that must guide one of the most remarkable developments of our time: the development of artificial intelligence.”
Her words transcended diplomatic praise, strategically framing the global debate: the ethics of advanced technology cannot be divorced from the cultural and societal values that underpin humanity. With its “Thailand 4.0” and digital economy policies pushing the nation forward while it fiercely preserves its cultural identity, Thailand represents a living case study in the quest to balance innovation with humanism.
The Double-Edged Sword: AI’s Economic Promise and the Specter of Inequality
At the heart of Director-General Azoulay’s keynote was a stark depiction of AI’s dual nature—a force with immense potential for economic prosperity and a significant risk to global social structures. On one hand, AI stands as an unprecedented engine for growth and progress.
“We know that AI has enormous potential to transform economies for exponential growth,” Ms. Azoulay explained. “Imagine Thailand’s agricultural sector using AI for precision agriculture to analyze climate data and significantly increase yields. Or in the public health sector, where AI helps doctors diagnose complex diseases faster and more accurately, strengthening Thailand’s goal of becoming a premier Medical Hub. Furthermore, AI can revolutionize logistics, enhance the efficiency of public policy formulation, and comprehensively improve the quality of life for citizens.”
However, she delivered an equally firm warning about the blade’s other, more perilous edge: the risk of AI becoming a tool that deepens and exacerbates existing societal inequalities. “This rapid development of AI poses significant challenges, beginning with the risk of widening the gap between those with the readiness and skills to benefit from it, and those who may be left completely behind,” she cautioned. “This phenomenon is not a national-level problem but a global one that demands urgent international cooperation.”
This risk extends beyond mere access to technology. It encompasses the insidious threat of algorithmic bias, which can lead to discrimination in critical areas such as loan approvals, employment opportunities, and even within the justice system. The displacement of human labor across numerous industries presents another colossal challenge to economic and social stability, necessitating a massive, coordinated effort in reskilling and upskilling the workforce.
UNESCO’s Global Blueprint: An Ethical Framework to Steer AI
Recognizing the urgent need to build a “fence” to guide AI’s power toward constructive ends, UNESCO has worked relentlessly to forge a global consensus. This culminated in 2021 when all member states adopted the historic “Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.” Ms. Azoulay emphasized this as “the first and only global ethical standard-setting instrument on AI” to gain international acceptance today.
“Our mission is clear: to prepare the world for AI and to prepare AI for the world, ensuring this technology serves the common good,” the Director-General asserted.
UNESCO has translated these principles into a tangible action plan through a multi-dimensional strategy. This begins with direct collaboration with technology creators via the establishment of the Business Council for the Ethics of AI, bringing global tech leaders like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Lenovo to the table. This ensures that ethical considerations are embedded in the design and development process from the outset, rather than being an afterthought.
Simultaneously, UNESCO has championed this agenda at the highest political levels, promoting the Recommendation’s principles in key multilateral forums, including the United Nations General Assembly and the G20 Summit. Recently, G20 leaders acknowledged the importance of UNESCO’s framework and tasked the organization with a leading role in a dedicated AI task force, reflecting profound trust in its leadership.
At the national level, UNESCO has developed a powerful tool: the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). This instrument helps governments survey their landscape, analyze strengths and weaknesses, and formulate national AI strategies that are systematic and aligned with universal ethical principles. “This tool is currently being implemented in over 70 countries worldwide, including seven out of the ten ASEAN nations, and importantly, Thailand,” Ms. Azoulay revealed. “I am confident that Thailand will present fascinating preliminary assessment results during this forum.”
Beyond policy frameworks, UNESCO is committed to building the human capacity to navigate these challenges. The organization has already provided training to over 8,000 judges and judicial personnel globally, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex ethical issues arising from AI’s use in legal proceedings.
A Major Bangkok Announcement: Launching the Global AI Supervisory Network
In a pivotal moment of her address, Ms. Azoulay made an announcement that electrified the forum’s attendees. “I am delighted to announce the establishment of UNESCO’s new Global Network of Competent Supervisory Authorities on AI,” she declared. “Its goal is to serve as a central platform to support policymakers and regulatory bodies worldwide in developing effective and coherent AI policies and regulations. This network will be officially launched at the regional level here in Bangkok tomorrow.”
The decision to launch this new global network in Thailand is a clear and powerful signal of the international community’s confidence in the role of Thailand and the ASEAN region as key players in shaping the future of global technology governance. This network will be a critical mechanism for fostering cross-border regulatory coherence, which will reduce burdens and create certainty for businesses operating internationally. At the same time, it will build a stronger, more harmonized shield to protect citizen rights across the globe.
Conclusion: A Collective Mandate to Define the Future
The UNESCO Director-General concluded with a poignant reminder that the world stands at a critical historical juncture. AI is profoundly reshaping every dimension of life, from how we work and learn to how we relate to one another. Technology, she argued, is not an unchangeable destiny but a tool whose direction can and must be shaped by human will and values.
“It is up to all of us to collectively steer AI in an ethical direction, according to the values we wish to uphold,” Ms. Azoulay said in closing. “This is the power of the multilateralism that UNESCO champions—not just a collaboration of governments, but a united front of experts, the business sector, and civil society, working together to develop and apply shared ethical standards. And most importantly, to ensure that no one is left behind.”
This forum in Bangkok is more than a platform for knowledge exchange; it is a global affirmation of intent. It represents a collective commitment by the international community to place the powerful force of AI under the steady hand of ethics, ensuring that this technological revolution leads to a prosperous and equitable future shared by all.
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