The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been named a key partner for the G20 in 2025, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI).
Under South Africa’s presidency, UNESCO’s responsibilities have been broadened to include contributions to the finance ministers’ agenda, focusing on the development of ethical AI in alignment with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
This partnership builds on UNESCO’s prior collaboration with the G20, where it served as a knowledge partner and took an active role in the Digital Economy Working Group. Through this involvement, UNESCO supported initiatives aimed at harnessing AI for inclusive sustainable development and addressing inequalities.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, stated: “After fruitful cooperation with the G20 in 2024, at Brazil’s initiative, UNESCO is proud to see its status as a privileged partner broadened out in 2025 under the presidency of South Africa. Our common priority will be the development of ethical artificial intelligence which supports the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.”
As South Africa assumes the presidency of the G20 in 2025, it has announced the renewal of UNESCO’s role as a ‘privileged partner.’ For the first time, this role extends beyond foreign affairs ministers to include finance ministers, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between UNESCO and the G20.
Supporting Africa’s AI Development
Artificial intelligence has been identified as a priority area where UNESCO will contribute its expertise. In November 2021, UNESCO Member States unanimously adopted the first global ethical framework for AI.
Currently, around 60 countries are working with UNESCO to adapt their legislation and regulations to ensure AI technologies serve development goals and the common good.
This issue is particularly crucial for Africa, where 70% of the population is under the age of 30. The African Union estimates that AI development could contribute between $110 billion and $220 billion annually to the continent’s economy by driving innovation and creating jobs. Wisely implemented, AI could also improve education and healthcare services and help countries address climate change.
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However, significant challenges remain. Only 40% of Africans currently have access to high-speed internet, with this figure dropping to 10% in low-income countries, compared to a global average of 70%. To address these disparities, the African Union has adopted a continental AI strategy, which UNESCO is supporting through training initiatives for policymakers and public administrations.
Within this framework, UNESCO will support the special group on AI and innovation for sustainable development, established under South Africa’s G20 presidency.
Achievements from UNESCO-G20 Collaboration in 2024
Under Brazil’s presidency in 2024, UNESCO became a privileged partner of the G20, participating in around 15 working groups across its mandates in Education, Science, Culture, and Information and Communication.
Key achievements from this collaboration include:
- The launch of a Global Initiative for Integrity of Information on Climate Change in Rio.
- Advocacy for innovative financing for education, led by Audrey Azoulay and President Lula, including the conversion of debt into educational investment.
- Joint initiatives by Brazil, South Africa, China, and the African Union to support open science, building on UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on Open Science.
- Reaffirmation of G20 members’ commitment to implementing UNESCO’s cultural conventions.
As UNESCO strengthens its partnership with the G20, its expanded role promises to foster global innovation and sustainable development through ethical AI and other strategic initiatives.
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