Today, alongside the African Union and the South African presidency of the G20, we are working to put artificial intelligence at the service of Africa. Our goal is to spur endogenous momentum in Africa, by training talent, adapting institutions and responding to African priorities. Only in this way will artificial intelligence meet the real needs of the people.
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General
In 2018, Audrey Azoulay launched a global initiative to establish an ethical framework for AI, recognizing both its potential for development and the risks it poses to human rights. Since the adoption of this normative text in 2021, UNESCO has engaged with 77 countries, including 29 in Africa, to transpose these principles into their national strategies and public policies. In 2024, the Organization also supported the African Union in developing its continental strategy on artificial intelligence.
Training future generations and the public sector
The Conference will mark the official launch of the AI Initiative for Africa, an ambitious and structured roadmap to guide actions in the coming years.
UNESCO will train more than 15,000 civil servants in the use of artificial intelligence and the challenges posed by digital transformation. Thousands more civil servants will then benefit from this training through the SPAARK-AI Alliance, an international alliance of national and regional public administration schools launched by UNESCO this year, which already brings together 45 African States.
Given the impact of these new technologies on the judicial system, UNESCO will also train 5,000 judges and prosecutors. In 2024, a global survey conducted by the Organization revealed that 44% of legal professionals used artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT in their work, and that only 9% of them had received training. These gaps expose judges and prosecutors to the risk of unintentionally violating human rights, including the right to privacy, the right to non-discrimination and the right to freedom of expression.
In order to equip future generations with the skills they need to succeed in a digital world, UNESCO will train 2,000 teachers and students through the Youth Coding Initiative, as well as 30 education policy makers from 15 African countries. A pan-African incubator will also be launched, supporting 1,500 researchers in the development of AI.
A new UNESCO tool to strengthen public policies on AI
Earlier this week, UNESCO unveiled a new tool to help governments, researchers and civil society organisations design, implement and monitor policies on artificial intelligence. Developed with the South African G20 Presidency, this digital policy assistance tool (Technology Policy Assistance Facility) provides detailed case studies, training resources and a directory of UNESCO and international experts. This tool will support policy-makers in G20 member countries as well as developing countries, enabling them to create tailor-made roadmaps for the use of AI at the national level, aligned with international standards.
The tool covers five key policy areas, ranging from infrastructure to innovation. It is also a valuable resource for researchers and civil society organisations working on AI policy.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions, with a global network of 200 National Commissions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" - UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
