STRATEGIES

Applying cutting-edge science to solve real-world problems.

RESEARCH
Conduct theoretical and applied research in the field of artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies.

DEVELOPMENT
Develop open solutions to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals with specific focus on SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16 and 17.

SUPPORT
Provide policy support to help Member States address the technical, legal, social and ethical challenges at the intersection of technology and policy.

TRAINING
Provide training for upstream and downstream capacity enhancement for artificial intelligence.

PARTICIPATION
Encourage multi-stakeholder participation and decision making in addressing the challenges raised by artificial intelligence.

DISSEMINATION
Disseminate information and encourage literacy about artificial intelligence.

PROMOTION
Promote measures for removal of gender bias in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.

COOPERATION
Facilitate North-North and North-South cooperation in the development of artificial intelligence with special emphasis on supporting the development of a vibrant AI ecosystem in Africa.

OBJECTIVES

Research, advocacy, capacity-building and dissemination of information about AI.

RESEARCH

IRCAI’s research goal is to develop artificial intelligence-based tools, products and services that will help UNESCO Member States accelerate their efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The legal, ethical, economic and societal implications of these emerging technologies will be addressed to make AI fair, transparent, and ethical. Researchers will be provided access to data, tools, services, platforms and indicators relevant to AI.

Open AI Solutions, Build-Measure-Learn Model of Adopting AI, AI Future Scenario Planning, Cross-Disciplinary Reflections on AI, AI Observatory of SDGs data

POLICY INNOVATION

The Centre will explore the broader implications of AI on society and offer expert advice to policy- and decision-makers regarding the optimal application of AI for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative involves the preparation of a comprehensive set of guidelines, information collection protocols, AI toolkits, policy briefs, and regional analyses of AI ecosystems. Leveraging these resources, the Center aims to contribute to the development of effective policy decisions and operational frameworks related to AI, particularly in areas such as public service delivery, greater transparency, and accountability.

Development of Indicators, Policy Support, Multi-Stakeholder Platform, Civil Society Outreach

POLICY INNOVATION

The Centre will explore the broader implications of AI on society and offer expert advice to policy- and decision-makers regarding the optimal application of AI for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative involves the preparation of a comprehensive set of guidelines, information collection protocols, AI toolkits, policy briefs, and regional analyses of AI ecosystems. Leveraging these resources, the Center aims to contribute to the development of effective policy decisions and operational frameworks related to AI, particularly in areas such as public service delivery, greater transparency, and accountability.

Development of Indicators, Policy Support, Multi-Stakeholder Platform, Civil Society Outreach

AI TALENT

Education systems need to anticipate changes in the skills required in a world where interactions with people and environment are increasingly mediated by technology. The Centre will collaborate and partner with other institutions to address challenges to education in the digital age and develop tools, guidelines and content to address the changing education needs of the world. A connected network of centres will bring together academic expertise from world-class universities, industries, governments, and other stakeholders will provide insights for updating education systems.

Training, Networking

IMPACT AND OUTREACH

The Centre recognizes the importance of communicating scientific research and engaging with the wider public through the principles of Citizen Science. To achieve this, the Centre will organise public events, workshops, and conferences specifically pertaining to AI research in developmental topics and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through an emphasis on technology transfer, sharing research outcomes, and providing policy support, the Centre aims to collaborate with other AI initiatives across the spectrum, spanning from the public to the private sector.

Advocacy, Engagement

IMPACT AND OUTREACH

The Centre understands the need to communicate scientific research and to engage with the wider public in the spirit of Citizen Science. This will be achieved through public events, workshops and conferences specifically tailored to address AI research in developmental topics and specific SDGs. By boosting technology transfer, research results and policy support the Centre will reach out to other AI initiatives from public to private sector.

Advocacy, Engagement