UNESCO AI Bangladesh

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Advancing AI Ethics in Bangladesh

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become essential in our daily lives, influencing sectors such as healthcare, education, and governance. However, with its immense capabilities comes the responsibility to use it sensibly.

Ensuring that AI is developed and deployed ethically is crucial to prevent harm and ensure it benefits society positively. Recognizing this importance, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has taken significant steps to address AI ethics through its Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, which provides guidelines to promote the responsible use of AI, safeguarding human rights, and promoting societal well-being.

The Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM)

The Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) is a key tool through which UNESCO is supporting the Member States to evaluate a country’s preparedness for implementing AI. The RAM focuses on multiple dimensions of readiness, including areas such as technological infrastructure, legislation, and the economy, with a focus throughout on ethical considerations and effective governance. The Readiness Assessment Methodology goes beyond other readiness assessment tools by combining both quantitative and qualitative questions. It provides detailed insights into institutional and regulatory gaps, allowing UNESCO to tailor support for governments to address these gaps effectively. Recognizing UNESCO’s role and efforts in steering global AI ethics and governance, UNESCO and the RAM was featured in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index 2023.

UNESCO Readiness Assessment

Implementation in Bangladesh

In 2024, UNESCO, in collaboration with the ICT Ministry and Aspire to Innovate (a2i) will conduct the Readiness Assessment Methodology in Bangladesh. The primary goal is to conduct the Readiness Assessment Methodology and develop a comprehensive report with data-driven insights and key recommendations, helping policymakers to make informed decisions on the ethical development, design, and deployment of AI technologies. This will help support Bangladesh in creating an ethical AI ecosystem aligned with the global standards. 

The Readiness Assessment Methodology is set to have an important impact on driving responsible AI practices on a global scale. By assessing readiness and identifying gaps, it empowers countries to build AI systems that serves the common good while upholding human rights and human dignity. 

Chile: Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report

Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Ethical impact assessment: a tool of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Readiness assessment methodology: a tool of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence