UNESCO Enhances G20 Role Under South Africa’s 2025 Presidency: Focus on Ethical AI in Africa
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Under South Africa's G20 presidency in 2025, UNESCO will expand its partnership to focus on ethical AI for sustainable development, particularly in Africa. Building on 2024’s successes, it will address digital divides, support innovation, and promote global ethical AI practices. UNESCO’s collaboration underscores its commitment to advancing education, science, and equitable growth aligned with UN sustainability goals.
UNESCO will deepen its collaboration with the G20 in 2025, playing a pivotal role in shaping the global agenda on artificial intelligence (AI) under South Africa's presidency. This renewed partnership underscores UNESCO's commitment to supporting sustainable development through ethical AI practices and fostering innovation for global progress.
Following successful cooperation in 2024 under Brazil’s presidency, UNESCO's involvement with the G20 will now extend beyond its traditional scope. For the first time, the organisation will contribute to the agenda of the G20 finance ministers alongside that of foreign affairs ministers. This development highlights the growing recognition of UNESCO’s expertise in addressing global challenges through education, science, and innovation.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, emphasised the importance of this partnership:
"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."
Focus on Africa: Ethical AI for sustainable growth
Artificial intelligence has been identified as a key priority for UNESCO’s collaboration with the G20 in 2025. UNESCO's role will centre on leveraging AI to advance Africa’s economic and social development, addressing critical challenges and opportunities.
Africa’s demographic advantage—70% of its population is under the age of 30—makes it uniquely positioned to benefit from AI-driven innovation. According to the African Union, AI could contribute between USD 110 billion and USD 220 billion annually to the continent’s economy by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and improving public services in education and health.
However, significant obstacles remain. With only 40% of Africans having access to high-speed internet, and as low as 10% in low-income countries, the digital divide presents a considerable barrier to harnessing AI’s full potential. To address this, the African Union has adopted a continental strategy for AI development, supported by UNESCO through capacity-building initiatives for public officials and administrations.
UNESCO will work closely with the special group on artificial intelligence and innovation for sustainable development established by South Africa for the G20 in 2025. This initiative aims to ensure that AI is ethically developed and effectively utilised to serve development objectives across the continent.
Achievements of the UNESCO-G20 partnership in 2024
UNESCO’s expanded role in 2025 builds on its accomplishments during Brazil’s presidency of the G20 in 2024, where it served as a privileged partner for the first time.
In 2024, UNESCO participated in over 15 working groups, focusing on its mandates in education, science, culture, information, and communication. Notable outcomes included:
- The launch of the Global Initiative for Integrity of Information on Climate Change in Rio.
- Advocacy for innovative financing for education, including debt-to-investment conversions, spearheaded by Audrey Azoulay and Brazilian President Lula.
- The G20’s commitment to UNESCO’s cultural conventions.
- A collaborative initiative among Brazil, South Africa, China, and the African Union to promote open science, aligned with UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on Open Science.
Ethical AI as a cornerstone of global cooperation
UNESCO’s partnership with the G20 in 2025 signifies an evolving approach to tackling pressing global challenges. The focus on ethical AI aligns with UNESCO’s global ethical framework for AI, adopted unanimously in 2021. This framework aims to guide countries in creating regulations that prioritise equitable access and sustainable development.
By building on its achievements and addressing critical gaps, UNESCO seeks to ensure that AI not only drives economic growth but also enhances education, health, and resilience against climate change in Africa and beyond.
As South Africa assumes the G20 presidency, this partnership underscores a shared vision for inclusive development through innovative solutions, making 2025 a milestone year for UNESCO, the G20, and the global community.
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