The UNESCO General Conference, which takes place in Paris from 9 to 24 November 2021, features a rich array of events, including the adoption of the final draft of the Recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence.
Below is a list of events organized by the Social and Human Sciences Programme during the General Conference.
"The Social and Human Sciences have a lot to contribute to the post-COVID recovery, and I am very proud of the many results that we are presenting to Member States at the 41st UNESCO General Conference, including a draft global standard on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, advancing the promotion of science and scientific research, and our strategy for the coming years to foster resilient and inclusive societies."
— Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences
Adoption of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI
Tuesday 16 November, SHS Commission – 10:00
The Recommendation on the Ethics of AI will propose a novel, anticipatory, and transformative framework, in support of concrete policy actions that are anchored in universal values and principles. It will lay out the norms and principles for AI development and application to ensure that AI systems work for the good of humanity. The Recommendation will be a blueprint for global consensus on the ‘what,’ as well as the ‘how’ of ethical regulation of this game-changing technology. Its aim is to become a shared reference point for leaders around the world on how to control the risks and harness these new technologies as a force for good. It covers a variety of subjects including data governance, gender, economy and labor, environment and ecosystems, health and well-beings, communication and information, education and culture.
After a two-year elaboration process, the draft Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence will be submitted for adoption by the 41st session of the General Conference in November 2021. Once adopted, UNESCO’s Recommendation will be the first ever global instrument on the ethics of AI, relevant to all 193 UNESCO Member States.
Launch of Sport Education Flagship "Fit for Life"
Monday 15 November, 13:00-15:00, Restaurant 7th Floor
On 15 November, a new Sport Education flagship: “Fit for Life” will be launched. This initiative aims to enhance the wellbeing, empowerment and rounded development of youth in schools, universities and communities around the world. It has been designed to respond to intersecting crises in physical inactivity, mental health and inequality which have been accelerated by COVID-19.
Designation of the International Centre for Social and Human Sciences Palau Macaya “La Caixa” Foundation as a category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO
Monday 15 November, SHS Commission – 15:00
Following a proposal by the Government of Spain, the Social and Human Sciences Commission will consider the approval of this Centre which will strengthen UNESCO’s action to put social and human sciences at the centre of the global agenda. The Palau Macaya “la Caixa” Foundation will act as an international benchmark for UNESCO’s action and mandate on the reflection and generation of knowledge for the achievement of global peace and justice, and the fight against inequalities.
Protection of scientific freedom and rights of scientific researchers
Tuesday 16 November, SHS Commission – 15:00
During the General Conference, the results of the first Consultation of Member States on the implementation of the 2017 Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers will be discussed. This analysis was prepared on the basis of 35 national reports from Member States received by the Secretariat. The 2017 Recommendation is – as of today – a stand-alone instrument that addresses all the sciences and its wide communities of stakeholders, and the General Conference has the opportunity to take steps towards improving the monitoring of this unique standard-setting instrument with a view of transforming research and innovation systems towards inclusive and sustainable development.
Leading voices against racism
Wednesday 17 November, 13:00 - 15:00, Room I
In December 2020, Member States launched a "Global Call against Racism". This high-level event will highlight the crucial role of world leaders in continuing to advocate against racism. This initiative builds and follows one of the main recommendations made by the "Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination", held in March 2021, which kicked off UNESCO's mobilisation against racism. The Forum highlighted the importance of creating a global network of recognized champions in the fight against racism and discrimination in order to make visible their advocacy initiatives, their example and their communication capacity.
Philosophy Around the World – Worldwide Philosophical Relay-Race
Thursday 18 November, 11:30 - 22:00
On Thursday 18 November 2021, on the occasion of World Philosophy Day 2021, a global online event “Philosophy Around the World – Worldwide Philosophical Relay-Race” will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (GMT+1) to celebrate philosophy in all parts of our planet. The overall theme will be intercultural philosophy for peace and sustainability in the time of crisis. It will comprise five regional webinars organized in all UNESCO’s regions. The aim is to reflect on the role of philosophy in helping make sense of the modern world and in finding solutions to the complex global challenges of today.
12th UNESCO Youth Forum – “Co-creating with Youth the post-COVID period”
Friday 19 November, 13:00 - 17:00
The 12th UNESCO Youth Forum – “Co-creating with Youth the post-COVID period” will be held online on 19 November 2021. It will take place at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has created a multi-dimensional crisis for young people around the world, aggravating systemic challenges, particularly for young women and the most vulnerable. Unless decisive and collective action is taken now by governments, in partnership with young people, the long- and short-term prospects of the current and future youth generations will be jeopardized.