UNESCO and UNDP have collaborated to strengthen judicial capacity on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). A training on AI and the Rule of Law, held in Bangkok, Thailand with support from the Thailand Institute of Justice, brought together 27 judges from 13 Asia-Pacific countries to examine how AI is shaping justice systems and what safeguards are needed to uphold fairness, independence, and public trust. The three-day program combined expert-led sessions and practical discussions to explore opportunities and risks associated with AI in judicial contexts.
During the training, participants reviewed global examples of AI applications in court administration, legal research, and case management. Discussions emphasized that while AI can improve efficiency, it also raises critical concerns around bias, transparency, and judicial independence. Without proper oversight, AI tools risk reinforcing existing inequalities and undermining public confidence in justice systems. Gerd Trogemann of UNDP highlighted the importance of balancing AI innovation with the core principles of fairness and integrity that define the rule of law.
Experts such as Takashi Takashima from Japan’s Ministry of Justice noted that the real-world use of AI in dispute resolution has made risks more visible, making ethical guidance increasingly urgent. Trainers like Leah Verghese from DAKSH stressed that algorithmic bias must be carefully considered in a culturally and linguistically diverse region like the Asia-Pacific, ensuring AI does not exacerbate existing disparities. Peerapat Chokesuwattanaskul of Chulalongkorn University further emphasized that even seemingly accurate AI correlations can reinforce structural discrimination, especially when hidden variables influence outcomes in ways that are not transparent.
Participants also explored emerging challenges such as generative AI and deepfakes, which may complicate the verification of documentary evidence and add technical and administrative burdens to already resource-constrained courts. Despite these risks, judges recognized the potential of AI to alleviate pressures on court resources by supporting case review, improving access to justice, and freeing up time for substantive decision-making.
The initiative concluded with a consensus that the growing role of AI in judicial reform must be guided by strong governance, transparency, and human-rights-based oversight. UNDP will continue to work with partners to support judiciaries in leveraging AI responsibly to improve access to justice while safeguarding ethical and legal standards.
