Source: UN News: Thursday, 05 February 2026 00:01 AM
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to bring about massive changes in society and the economy in the times to come, but it also carries the risk of declining employment opportunities and deepening socio-economic inequalities. In view of this, UN experts are working to ensure that this process of transformation can be carried out in a responsible manner, so that the benefits of AI outweigh its risks. Whether one is optimistic or skeptical about AI, it is true that AI is rapidly entering every part of our personal and professional lives. The United Nations has long supported a ‘people first’ approach to AI. In 2024, UN Secretary General António Guterres warned the Security Council that the future of humanity should never be left to the “black box” of algorithms. He stressed that AI-based decisions must always be controlled and monitored by humans, to ensure the protection of human rights. Since then, the United Nations system has united its efforts to strengthen the ethical and responsible governance of AI at the global level. This work, historic ‘Global Digital Compact‘ is being taken forward on the basis of guidelines and recommendations included in. The United Nations has described education as the most important foundation for an AI-based future. According to the UN, this is not limited to just adding AI tools to the education system, but it is equally important to ensure that both students and teachers are AI-literate. © Unsplash/Hitesh Choudhary Schools around the world are being encouraged to create policies on the use of AI. 1. Important role of education Shafiqa Isaacs, Head of Technology and AI in Education at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said that by the year 2030, the global education system will need about 44 million teachers. She cautioned that it would be a serious mistake to prioritize investment only in AI technologies instead of investing in teachers. According to the UNESCO official, even though AI can help in the exchange of data, it cannot become a substitute for human development. He stressed that education is fundamentally a social, human and cultural experience, and not just information imparted through a technical system.2. It is important to adopt change. Amidst the fear of losing jobs in the era of AI, organizations associated with the United Nations are appealing to adopt the changes coming in the labor market. According to an estimate by the World Economic Forum (WEF), about 41 percent of employers were planning to cut their workforce due to AI in the year 2025. However, experts say that along with AI, new types of jobs will also emerge, combining machine capabilities and human skills. Even as machines become capable of recognizing patterns and performing repetitive tasks, humans will still play a role in areas such as creativity, decision-making, moral judgment and complex human relationships. International Labor Organization (ILO)ILO) has said in a study conducted with its partners that due to AI, 1 out of every 4 jobs may change, but this does not mean that the related jobs will disappear. According to the report, major changes in the way of working are certain and in such a situation, it will be the responsibility of the employees to continuously learn new skills, keep training and adapt themselves to the changing working environment. © Unsplash/Ecliptic Graphic The United Nations has identified education as the most important foundation for an AI-based future. 3. AI should be available to all A select number of big tech companies are focused on AI-related research and development of new tools. The United Nations has warned that if access to AI is not broadened, there is a risk of deepening inequality between countries and within societies. The strategies prepared by the UN have emphasized that policies related to education, economy and governance should be such that the benefits of AI should be such that only the privileged or technologically advanced people can benefit from AI. Be able to reach wider sections of the society and not be limited to the advanced class.4. Prioritizing human rights: The United Nations has repeatedly reiterated that the development of AI must be in line with human rights, human dignity and inclusivity. The organization warned that if automation is developed without adequate oversight, it could have far-reaching social consequences. UNESCO, after extensive consultation with global experts, issued recommendations on the ethical aspects of artificial intelligence in 2021. This document clearly states that human rights are not an optional principle, and they must form an essential basis for sustainable and responsible AI systems. The document also states that AI tools that They pose a threat to dignity, equality or freedom, they should be limited or banned. Also, the governments of the countries have been appealed to ensure effective regulatory system and strict compliance with these standards. © Unsplash/Immo Wegmann 5. Consensus needed on the future of AI According to the United Nations, dealing with the risks and opportunities associated with AI is not the responsibility of any single government, private sector or civil society. This requires extensive international cooperation. The organization says that to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI, it is necessary to decide on a global operating system. To this end, dialogue on ethical standards and the formation of UN-backed forums for coordination should be encouraged, and partnerships between the public and private sectors should be promoted. These partnerships aim to strengthen investments in education, skills development and workforce training to better prepare people around the world for the changes brought about by AI.
