As the world quickly adopts artificial intelligence (AI), issues regarding its ethical application, economic effects, and social impact have moved to the forefront. In an exclusive interview, Dr Mariagrazia Squicciarini, Chief of Executive Office, Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, identified the organisation's leading role in AI ethics, youth empowerment, and the need for international cooperation to frame AI governance.
UNESCO's position on AI is solidly based on its Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, voted in by consensus of 193 member countries in 2021. Now binding on all 194 member states, the text is a worldwide standard underpinning ethical AI development.
"AI ethics must not be an afterthought," Dr Squicciarini said. "It needs to be woven into every stage of AI systems' life cycle design, deployment, and so on." She promoted the idea of 'ethics by design', i.e., that AI technologies need to be created according to human rights and human rights-related fundamental freedoms.
Dr Squicciarini welcomed India's leadership in AI ethics. As part of an increasing partnership, UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), and Ikigai Law have initiated the AI RAM (Readiness Assessment Methodology) consultation. The aim is to evaluate India's strengths and opportunities in the AI arena and help build an India-specific policy framework.
One of the key features of this tie-up was a panel discussion titled "Shaping Ethics in AI Governance: Government and Multilateral Perspectives", which shall bring together senior officials from Meity, the Government of Assam, the Defence Institute of Advanced Technologies (DIAT), and UNESCO. The event also featured specialised breakout sessions on subjects such as governance, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and real-life applications.
This initiative is in line with the ambitious Rs 10,000 crore Indiaai Mission of the Government of India. With "Safe and Trusted AI" as one of its pillars, the mission aims to stimulate local AI development through strong governance mechanisms, inclusive designs, and self-regulation guidelines. Its ultimate aim is to facilitate ethical innovation while expanding access to AI across all industries.
AI, as seen by Dr Squicciarini, has vast potential to empower youth and spur inclusive economic development. Admitting fears about job loss, she noted that AI can address chronic global challenges, especially in environmental sustainability.
"A.I. is within reach," she added. "With a computer and the right training, youth can already create solutions to actual problems. Children today are hugely inventive — they know their communities and can design accordingly."
This kind of artistic interaction, she continued, possesses the ability to trigger economic speed. "After a problem's solved by AI, after a need's been fulfilled, the economy reacts. It's a matter of access and skills, not fear."
Dr Squicciarini called for a change of attitude in the public. "We shouldn't be frightened of AI — we should be ready. Each technological revolution, from electricity to the steam engine, transformed the world. AI is doing the same, just quicker."
She also emphasised the need to prepare young people not merely with technical knowledge but with emotional intelligence and flexibility. In the current digital age, coding in itself is not enough. We need digital literacy, grit, and the social-emotional competencies to adapt to change and to contribute meaningfully."
On the international front, UNESCO is positioning itself as a collaborative partner rather than a regulator. “We don’t view it as a struggle,” Dr Squicciarini explained. “We’re eager to work with countries at both the global and local levels. This two-way dialogue helps us identify what’s effective and where further support is needed.”
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She also emphasised the pressing imperative for policymakers to get ahead of technological change. "We need to prevent a situation where innovation gets ahead of the ethical and legal frameworks intended to govern it. Our mission is to assist countries in building policies that ensure AI serves the public good.”
Wrapping up the discussion with a reflective thought, Dr Squicciarini said, "We need to ask ourselves what we want these technologies to do for us — not limit their potential, but precisely state what we don't want them to do. Only then can innovation flourish responsibly."
UNESCO's ethical AI framework offers a promising vision, a future where technology enhances human capacities instead of replacing them. With youth-led innovation, inclusive policy-making, and international cooperation, the organisation is building a world where AI is a force for good: inclusive, creative, and sustainable.
As governments, businesses, and civil society move into the changing landscape of AI, UNESCO's message is clear: responsible design and empowered youth hold the key to creating a strong, fair, and future-focused economy.
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