Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is the first global standard on AI ethics, adopted by 193 Member States in November 2021. It establishes four core values and ten core principles grounded in a human rights approach to guide the development, deployment, and governance of AI. Additionally, the instrument outlines concrete policy recommendations across multiple areas to help countries implement these ethical standards responsibly.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Policymakers, regulators, academics, private sector actors, and civil society seeking guidance on ethical AI governance.
What the document contains
The document addresses the ethical dimensions of AI design, development, deployment, and use. It outlines core values and human-rights-centred principles, and establishes policy action areas to guide societies in dealing with the impacts of AI technologies.
Binding international enforcement mechanisms and detailed technical compliance standards are not stated in the text.
- Adopted in November 2021, the Recommendation is the first global standard on AI ethics.
- It is built upon four core values: human dignity and human rights, just and peaceful societies, diversity and inclusiveness, and environmental flourishing.
- The framework features ten core principles, including proportionality, safety, privacy, multi-stakeholder governance, and fairness.
- It provides concrete policy recommendations across various areas to operationalize its values and principles.
· Core values · Global AI Ethics and Governance Observatory · Core principles: A human rights approach to AI · Areas of policy action · Resources
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
4/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
There should be oversight, impact assessment, audit and due diligence mechanisms in place to avoid conflicts with human rights norms and threats to environmental wellbeing.
Core principles: A human rights approach to AI
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
4/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
AI actors should promote social justice, fairness, and non-discrimination while taking an inclusive approach to ensure AI’s benefits are accessible to all.
Core principles: A human rights approach to AI
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
5/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
At its core, it states that AI must respect human rights and human dignity.
Core values
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
4/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Member States should ensure that AI systems do not displace ultimate human responsibility and accountability.
Core principles: A human rights approach to AI
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
4/5Protection of personal data and private life
Privacy must be protected and promoted throughout the AI lifecycle. Adequate data protection frameworks should also be established.
Core principles: A human rights approach to AI
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
4/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
The ethical deployment of AI systems depends on their transparency and explainability (T&E).
Core principles: A human rights approach to AI
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
Core principles
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
4/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Risk assessment should be used to prevent harms which may result from such uses.
Core principles: A human rights approach to AI
screening score · 2026-10-23