Latest news with #AudreyAzoulay
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Arabian Post
UNESCO Champions Ethics as AI Race Intensifies
UNESCO has mobilised global policymakers, academics and civil society leaders in Bangkok to cement the adoption of its 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the world's only universal AI ethics framework endorsed by all 194 member states. With over 1,200 delegates from 88 nations and more than 35 ministers present, the third Global Forum on the Ethics of AI underlined the urgency of embedding ethics into AI governance amid growing geopolitical tension between the United States and China. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay urged attendees to forge multilateral cooperation. 'Preparing the world for AI and preparing AI for the world,' she said, must ensure AI 'serves the common good'. She announced the launch of a Global Network of AI Supervisory Authorities alongside a Global Network of Civil Society and Academic Organisations, aiming to support national regulators and promote public participation in AI policymaking. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand, the first Asia-Pacific host of this forum, confirmed the country's neutral stance in the intensifying AI rivalry. She emphasised transparency, responsibility and ethical foundations as Bangkok seeks to develop its own domestic AI ecosystem. ADVERTISEMENT Industry heavyweights such as OpenAI, Google and China's DeepSeek were conspicuously absent, highlighting the challenge of securing tech-sector buy-in despite mounting tensions in tech diplomacy. Analysts note that US congressional proposals to ban federal use of China-linked AI tools reflect a broader decoupling trend, complicating efforts to forge a global consensus. UNESCO's Readiness Assessment Methodology, applied across 70 countries—including seven ASEAN nations—was showcased as a diagnostic tool to bridge ethical principles and domestic policy. The forum featured 22 thematic sessions and 11 side events exploring AI's intersection with gender, environmental sustainability, health, education, neurotechnology, quantum computing and judicial systems. Participants stressed that ethical governance need not hamper innovation. As one policy advisor noted, a rights-based approach is key to building public trust and preventing inequalities. Commentators also drew attention to the absence of senior officials from the US—a potential signal that Washington is prioritising tech protection over global ethics cooperation. Experts at the forum compared the regulatory philosophies of the US and China. A recent academic analysis highlights divergences: the US has focused on export controls and safety standards, whereas China emphasises state-led data governance and mandatory ethics guidelines domestically. Participants warned that such divergent domestic approaches risk widening the digital divide and obstructing international regulatory coherence. UNESCO also unveiled a new Global AI Ethics Observatory and an 'Ethics Experts without Borders' network to promote knowledge-sharing and rapid deployment of best practices. Civil society groups welcomed the establishment of a global network linking NGOs and academic institutions, noting it as a vital step toward inclusive governance. Thailand's cultural prominence was also noted. Azoulay praised its heritage—from UNESCO World Heritage sites to intangible cultural landmarks like Tom Yum Kung—as a backdrop that reinforces the need to respect diversity when crafting AI policy. Despite strong momentum, analysts caution that global fragmentation remains a major threat. The absence of major private tech firms and widening geopolitical divides limit the prospects for a truly universal ethics framework. Success will depend on translating global principles into enforceable national regulations and aligning competing visions from Washington, Beijing and Brussels.
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao Urges Ethical AI Future
Bangkok, June 26, 2025 – The 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, held from 24–27 June in Bangkok, brought together over 800 leaders, experts, and scholars from UNESCO's 194 member states to explore ethical frameworks for the future of AI. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay opened the forum by emphasising how AI is reshaping the way we live, work, and connect. She described the moment as pivotal in human history and called for collective reflection guided by shared values. Azoulay reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to global cooperation and expressed hope that the forum would serve as a milestone in establishing ethical AI standards that leave no one behind. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in her opening address, reiterated Thailand's dedication to building an ethical and inclusive AI future and urged global leaders to ensure AI delivers lasting and sustainable benefits for all. Representing Vietnam, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao—Chairwoman of Sovico Group and Vietjet Air—joined a high-level panel to discuss the role of policy, innovation, and technology in serving the public good. 'I come here today not only as a businesswoman leading a global airline and digital bank, and not only as a PhD in automation—but first and foremost as a mother,' Dr Thao began. 'A mother who believes that technology must be designed to serve humanity and to create a fairer, more inclusive world for the next generation.' She described how millions of Vietjet passengers have taken flight for the first time to access better opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment. Through Vikki, her group's digital banking platform, rural women and students in remote areas have gained access to financial services that transformed their lives. 'AI must be a tool for equity,' Dr Thao stated. 'It should provide universal access to education, healthcare, and finance. Its development must be rooted in the well-being of society and the common good.' She continued: 'We must begin with people—upholding equality based on dignity and the right to happiness, regardless of income, gender, background, or education. In the age of AI, I believe there is no difference between myself—a billionaire—and a tuk-tuk driver or an ordinary citizen on the street.' Calling for a broader vision of AI, Dr Thao said: 'We must go beyond seeing AI as a mere tool. It must become a commitment—one that always returns to the heart of humanity, guided by compassion, integrity, and a shared aspiration for a fairer world.' Dr Thao also called for global collaboration to establish an inclusive vision for AI rooted in trust and human-centred ethics. She pledged financial and operational support for international initiatives, including the proposed Fair Data Fund—a mechanism to provide transparent, unbiased, and multilingual data to train AI systems, especially in developing countries. 'Policies must prioritise vulnerable communities. No one should be left behind due to gender, geography, or circumstance,' she said. 'I urge this forum to expand policymaking spaces for women, girls, and marginalised groups—not just as recipients, but as co-creators of our digital future.' Dr Thao concluded by affirming that she and her companies—Vietjet, HDBank, Vikki Bank, among others—remain committed to building a future where AI is not only intelligent, but also compassionate. A longstanding partner of UNESCO and the United Nations, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao has supported initiatives in education, culture, science, and the empowerment of women and children. Her remarks at the forum reflect a clear and consistent message: that ethical leadership, grounded in human values, is essential in shaping the next era of technology.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
UN agency pushes AI ethics standards at Bangkok event as US-China tech rivalry deepens
A United Nations agency is rallying policymakers, non-government organisations and academics to support its ethics guidelines on artificial intelligence (AI) at a time when the technology is rapidly changing the world. Unesco, the 194-member UN heritage agency that produced the world's first – and so far only – global AI ethics standards four years ago, hosted a forum in Bangkok this week to drive the adoption of its recommendations. However, there is a long way to go before the recommendations could be turned into a universal, actionable framework amid an intensifying AI race between the US and China , according to analysts. At the opening on Wednesday of the third Unesco Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, Unesco director general Audrey Azoulay called for collaboration among governments, businesses and civil society to come up with an international solution. 'That is what Unesco is working to provide – preparing the world for AI and preparing AI for the world, ensuring it serves the common good,' she said. The message comes as hopes are dimming for a global consensus on AI ethics. A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced a bill in both chambers of Congress to ban the federal use of China-linked AI tools such as DeepSeek, in the latest sign of hostility in the tech rivalry between the world's two largest economies. A DeepSeek display seen during the Global Developer Conference on February 22, 2025 in Shanghai. Photo: VCG via Getty Images Meanwhile, the world's largest AI companies, from US-based OpenAI and Google to China's DeepSeek, were absent from the forum, which attracted more than 1,000 participants and 35 government ministers, mainly from Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America. When asked how other countries would respond to the divisions in the AI world, Wisit Wisitsora-At, Permanent Secretary at the Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, said Thailand would not take sides in the US-China competition, adding that it would try to develop its own AI ecosystem.
Grazia USA
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Prada and UNESCO Launch Groundbreaking Fund For Ocean Preservation
In a world-first initiative blending fashion with ecological foresight, Prada Group and UNESCO have announced the creation of the SEA BEYOND, a Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Connecting People and Ocean, unveiled during the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. @grazia_me Today, @Prada Group, in partnership with UNESCO-IOC and Sea Beyond, announces its support for Coral Gardeners, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs. In a series of panels and workshops at the third United National Ocean Conference in Nice, France, the Italian fashion conglomerate announced its plans to scale their reef restoration efforts. #GraziaMe #Prada #SeaBeyond ♬ suara asli – f – f With an initial €2 million (Dhs8.5 million) contribution from Prada, the donation marks a bold new chapter in ocean conservation. But this is more than philanthropy – it's cultural evolution. Designed to restore our frayed relationship with the ocean, the donation will support projects that intersect science, education, policy, and art. From embedding ocean literacy into school curricula to amplifying youth voices in environmental discourse, it's a sweeping, five-priority mission to future-proof our planet – and, to be frank, ourselves. 'At its heart, this is about empowering a new generation,' said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. 'Change begins in the classroom.' Photograhy: Enzo Barracco Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of CSR at Prada and Executive Director of the Ocean Decade Alliance, echoed that sentiment: 'We're not just funding projects – we're scaling a global movement.' It's the natural next step for Prada's SEA BEYOND program, which has already educated over 35,000 students and trained all 14,000 Prada employees in ocean literacy. The initiative comes at a pivotal time. As Brazil becomes the first nation to embed ocean literacy into its national curriculum, and as climate urgency intensifies, fashion's role in shaping culture – and consciousness – is undeniable. Photograhy: Enzo Barracco Prada, through its Re-Nylon Collection and now the SEA BEYOND Fund, is anchoring itself as a leader in luxury with purpose. It's a long-term commitment, yes – but also an elegant call to action we need in these troubled times.
Arabian Post
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Post
UNESCO and SACIT Join Hands with ICONCRAFT to Celebrate Thai Artisans and Thailand's Creative Cities Network
A landmark exhibition of Thai artisanship and contemporary design, inspired by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and featuring two debut clutches handcrafted from master-woven textiles by the SIRIVANNAVARI brand BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – UNESCO and Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), a national agency promoting Thai craftsmanship, have joined hands with ICONCRAFT—Thailand's hub of creative innovation–to launch the campaign, 'UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT: A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities.' This nationwide initiative celebrates the cultural legacy of Thai textile traditions from the seven UNESCO Creative Cities across Thailand. These heritage textiles, crafted by national master artisans, are reimagined into contemporary fashion pieces by seven of Thailand's top design houses, as well as the prestigious brand SIRIVANNAVARI, founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. ADVERTISEMENT The event, attended by UNESCO Director – General Audrey Azoulay, on her first official visit to Thailand, launches a long-term collaboration to empower cultural entrepreneurs, promote sustainable innovation, and inspire youth to pursue careers in the creative economy. It also reinforces Thailand's commitment to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which includes more than 350 cities worldwide. Thailand's recognized Creative Cities–Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, Chiang Rai, and Suphanburi–serve as the foundation for this initiative and their distinctive cultural assets inspire the designs on display. Event Highlights At the heart of this exhibition is a collaboration between seven top-tier Thai fashion brands and local artisan groups, with each designer creating two exclusive outfits inspired by a different Creative City—14 looks in total: ATELIER PICHITA – Designs inspired by the Tai Lue textiles of the Tai Lue Weaving Group by Master Dokkaew from Chiang Rai Designs inspired by the Tai Lue textiles of the from Chiang Rai THEATRE – Designs using Black Tai (Thai Song Dam) textiles from Ban Don Manow Thai Song Dam Weaving Group in Suphanburi Designs using Black Tai (Thai Song Dam) textiles from in Suphanburi CHAI GOLD LABEL – Designs drawing from Northern-style batik by Rak Batik Group in Chiang Mai Designs drawing from Northern-style batik by in Chiang Mai HOOK'S BY PRAPAKAS – Designs based on hand-painted batik from Ying Batik Paint Group in Phuket Designs based on hand-painted batik from in Phuket WISHARAWISH – Designs using the intricately patterned Pha Lai Yang fabric by Phusa Pha Lai Yang in Phetchaburi Designs using the intricately patterned fabric by in Phetchaburi PYVET – Designs crafted from Porcupine Pattern Pha Jok by Suntaree Thai Textile in Sukhothai Designs crafted from by in Sukhothai JANESUDA – Designs showcasing brightly colored batik from Marionsiam in Bangkok SIRIVANNAVARI x Chansoma Collaboration Among the standout creations are two exclusive clutch bags, personally designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Crafted from Kaew Ching Duang silk–a textile symbolizing prosperity and harmony–these pieces were handwoven by nationally honoured master artisan Weeratham Taragoonngernthai, founder of the Chansoma brand in Surin Province. Embroidered with exquisite detail, each clutch is a one-of-a-kind creation, specially designed for this occasion. ADVERTISEMENT Royal Ensemble Exhibition Another event highlight is the first-ever public exhibition in Thailand of eight Royal Thai Ensembles worn by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, curated by the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. The designs, by Tirapan Wannarat, founder of the Tirapan fashion house and Thailand's 2019 National Artist in Visual Arts (Fashion Design), will be on display from June 25–29 at ICONLUXE AVENUE, M Floor, ICONSIAM. Featured ensembles include: Thai Ruean Ton Dress – Crafted from brocade silk with Chao Fa motifs, inspired by traditional teakwood houses in Dusit Palace – Crafted from brocade silk with Chao Fa motifs, inspired by traditional teakwood houses in Dusit Palace Thai Chitralada Dress – A formal silk outfit with standing collar and embroidered white floral patterns – A formal silk outfit with standing collar and embroidered white floral patterns Thai Amarin Dress – A pink silk pha sin featuring golden rose vines, historically associated with the birthday of King Rama V Event Schedule The special collection will debut at Crafts Bangkok 2025, from 18–22 June 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, before its formal launch on 25 June at ICONSIAM. Alongside the textile showcase and royal attire exhibition, visitors will have the rare opportunity to purchase or bid on selected pieces. A special auction will include the limited-edition silk clutches by SIRIVANNAVARI. Proceeds will support a UNESCO initiative to expand access to creative education for young people in Thailand's Creative Cities. Don't miss this chance to celebrate Thai cultural heritage, admire the craftsmanship of local masters, and witness how creativity continues to shape Thailand's future. Hashtag: #ICONCRAFT #ICONCRAFTatICONSIAM #ICONSIAM #SIAMPIWAT #SACIT #UNESCO The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
