Unesco working with India on AI's impact on socio-economic issues

New Delhi: UNESCO is actively working with India to examine the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing key social and economic challenges through technological innovation. This initiative comes as New Delhi prepares to host the Global Summit on AI Impact early next year, a senior UNESCO official confirmed on Friday.

Irakli Khodeli, Head of the Ethics of AI Unit at UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, emphasized India's pivotal role in the global AI ecosystem. “India is a shining star in digital transformation and in tackling socio-economic challenges through technology and progressive policy-making. The world is watching India and eager to learn from its model,” Khodeli stated during the Third UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025.

UNESCO, which comprises 193 member nations, hosted its inaugural AI summit in 2023 in the UK, followed by sessions in South Korea in 2024 and Paris in early 2025. The upcoming India-hosted summit will shift focus from policy discussion to showcasing AI's real-world impact, with participants presenting updates, sharing experiences, and highlighting actionable insights.

Khodeli underlined UNESCO’s enduring partnership with India, dating back to its contribution to the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Recommendation Report, adopted four years ago. India was represented on the 24-member advocacy group that helped shape the framework, now recognized as a universal ethical guide for AI governance.

Following this, UNESCO rolled out its Readiness Assessment Methodology — a tool for member nations to evaluate AI opportunities, identify policy gaps, and strategically harness AI for national development. India has actively engaged in this assessment, reflecting its status as a global leader in both technological innovation and AI policy development.

“India stands out not just for its tech innovation, but for its ability to formulate effective, future-ready AI policies,” said Khodeli. He noted UNESCO’s efforts to document and disseminate India’s AI governance practices globally, offering a model for other nations to emulate.

Further, Khodeli acknowledged the immense contribution of Indian-origin professionals to the global tech industry, reinforcing India's reputation as a hub for digital talent. He stressed the importance of integrating AI ethics into engineering education and development, ensuring future AI systems are responsible, inclusive, and human-centered.

While celebrating AI's transformative potential, Khodeli also highlighted environmental concerns associated with large-scale AI infrastructure. “We need to prioritize AI systems that are less resource-intensive and promote sustainable development alongside technological progress,” he urged.

UNESCO, through initiatives like the Readiness Assessment with over 70 countries and regional forums such as the Bangkok Forum, continues to gather global insights on AI deployment, challenges, and best practices — with India playing a central role in shaping the narrative of AI for social good.

Source: Business Standard

Voice of Osiz

The world is finally recognizing what we’ve believed all along — AI isn’t just about automation, it’s about impact. India’s leadership in merging AI with socio-economic innovation is a blueprint worth following. As tech enthusiasts, we’re closely tracking this global summit, eager to witness how AI can drive inclusive growth and responsible innovation.