Global AI Ethics Observatory - Header

AI Ethics Experts Without Borders

Supporting Ethical AI Governance Worldwide.

±«±··¡³§°ä°¿â€™s AI Ethics Experts Without Borders (AIEB) network is a global initiative designed to support Member States in implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. The AIEB network comprises leading experts from over 50 countries, providing policy guidance, legislative advice, and capacity building tailored to national needs. The network is funded by the European Union and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.

Key features of the AIEB

1. Tailored Support for UNESCO Member States 

AIEB offers hands-on assistance to Member States through a menu of project options aligned with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, including: 

  • Expert guidance on policies, legislation, and technical regulatory tools and processes grounded in UNESCO’s ethical standards. 

  • Implementation of key tools like the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA). 

  • Expert-led training and capacity building for civil servants, regulators, civil society organisations, and the private sector. 

2. Expert Matching and Global Cooperation  

UNESCO coordinates each project by: 

  • Matching national requests with suitable AIEB experts. 

  • Overseeing project terms, timelines, and deliverables. 

  • Supporting collaboration among governments, field offices, and stakeholders. 

Guiding Principles of AIEB projects 

1. Projects are initiated and driven by governments requesting support to address specific local needs. 

2. Projects are collaborative and include a focus on mutual capacity building, reciprocal knowledge transfer between AIEB members and local experts, and empowering local institutions, to sustain the benefits beyond the end of the project and build lasting regional and international relationships between experts and institutions.  

3. Priority is given to projects that centre active multistakeholder consultation, engaging across government, civil society, academia, and the private sector as appropriate to ensure representation, relevance, and impact.  

4. Projects strike a balance between standardised offerings and tailored projects, combining a well-defined approach with clear goals and direct alignment with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, with the flexibility to address the unique needs of beneficiary countries.  

To find out more, contact ai-ethics@unesco.org