In a world rapidly transformed by artificial intelligence, UNESCO is taking a decisive step to ensure that AI serves humanity responsibly. The organization’s newly launched AI Literacy Training Program for civil servants aims to empower governments worldwide to implement AI in ways that uphold human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The program builds on the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the first-ever global standard on AI ethics, which sets out core values, principles, and policy action areas to harness AI’s benefits while minimizing risks. While global consensus is essential, meaningful impact depends on translating these standards into national action.
To support Member States, UNESCO has developed practical tools such as the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA), helping countries evaluate their preparedness for ethical AI governance. Over 70 countries have engaged with RAM, and more than 30 have completed the assessment, identifying gaps and priorities to ensure responsible AI adoption. UNESCO’s AI Ethics Experts Without Borders (AIEB) network complements this effort by providing technical advice, training, and capacity-building support to governments, civil society, and private sector actors.
The AI Literacy Training equips civil servants with foundational knowledge of AI systems, their opportunities and risks, and the UNESCO Recommendation and its tools. Participants gain insights into AI lifecycle management, predictive and generative AI applications, ethical assessment, public procurement, data governance, transparency, accountability, and emerging technologies like agentic systems and humanoid robots. The training uses practical public sector examples, from citizen engagement and administrative process automation to predictive maintenance of infrastructure and resource allocation.
Developed in partnership with the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) and supported by the European Commission and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, the training emphasizes both technical accuracy and ethical depth. It also employs a “train-the-trainer” model, enabling the program to scale globally. The initiative was launched during UNESCO’s 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Thailand in June 2025, with the AIEB network trained to bring this knowledge to their countries.
By combining AI literacy training with the AIEB network, UNESCO provides Member States with a robust framework to strengthen national capacity, develop institutional AI literacy, and guide responsible AI deployment. The program is designed to evolve with feedback and adapt to diverse regional contexts, ensuring civil servants are equipped to navigate the rapidly changing AI landscape.
As AI continues to reshape governance and public services, UNESCO’s initiative underscores a bold vision: a future where AI works for humanity, and civil servants have the knowledge and tools to make it happen.
