What is the Business Council for Ethics of AI and why is it so important?

As AI continues to influence various aspects of society, the global community faces mounting ethical dilemmas. As a result, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) established the Business Council for Ethics of AI to help mitigate the issue, particularly in the business world.

What is the Business Council for Ethics of AI?

The Business Council for AI Ethics is a collaboration between UNESCO and Latin American enterprises active in the research or application of artificial intelligence (AI) in a variety of areas.
The Council provides a forum for firms to share their experiences and promote ethical practices in the AI industry. It collaborates with UNESCO to guarantee that AI development respects human rights and adheres to ethical principles.

Leadership and commitments

Co-chaired by Microsoft and Telefonica, the Council focuses on:

• Strengthening technical capacities in ethics and AI.
• Designing and implementing the Ethical Impact Assessment tool.
• Contributing to the development of regional regulations.
• These efforts aim to create a competitive environment that benefits all stakeholders and promotes responsible AI use.

Recommendation on the Ethics of AI

According to a press release by UNESCO, the private sector played an important part in drafting the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, which recognises the critical role of businesses in ensuring ethical AI impact. It encourages governments to involve firms in the Recommendation’s implementation and private sector enterprises to establish risk-identification, prevention, and mitigation methods, assuring accountability for AI’s impact on human rights, the rule of law, and inclusive societies.

Strategic collaboration

UNESCO works with AI companies to identify good practices that respect ethical standards. The Recommendation guides companies in identifying potential risks in their services and contributes to regional regulations that ensure a competitive environment for all.
UNESCO co-created a network of companies committed to ethical AI, termed “Friends of the Recommendation.” The Business Council for Ethics of AI serves as a space to:

• Exchange experiences and good practices.
• Strengthen technical capacities in ethics and AI.
• Design and implement the Ethical Impact Assessment tool.
• Ensure AI development respects human rights.

UNESCO AI Business Council membership

Membership is open to business community members who embody the values and best practices of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. The Social and Human Sciences Sector of UNESCO serves as the secretariat, promoting and energizing the Council’s operations and activities.

Activities and Collaboration

The Council collaborates with UNESCO on activities including:

• Promoting the Recommendation’s implementation within companies.
• Supporting public initiatives for ethical AI regulation.
• Facilitating multi-sector collaboration among AI leaders.
• Raising awareness and generating knowledge about AI’s ethical impact.
• Sharing private sector best practices on AI ethics.

What are the member benefits?

Members receive exclusive invitations to UNESCO activities, opportunities to engage in joint initiatives, and the chance to highlight AI skilling initiatives in UNESCO’s AI Skilling Database.

Requirements for membership

Membership is open to private sector entities willing to endorse UNESCO’s Recommendation, participate in Council activities, provide a voluntary contribution, and receive approval from the Business Council Co-Chairs and UNESCO.