As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve rapidly, conversations about its ethical use are gaining global traction. From tech titans to religious leaders, there have been widespread calls to ensure the benefits of AI are balanced with strong ethical frameworks to prevent unforeseen societal harms.
Pope Leo XIV is the latest to join the conversation, stressing that technology companies should adhere to an “ethical criterion” that respects human dignity.
“No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI ... But access to data, however extensive, must not be confused with intelligence," he said in a June 20 message to a gathering on AI attended by Vatican officials and Silicon Valley executives.
In Malaysia, the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) is developing a regulatory framework focused on ethical considerations and security measures. It aims to address existing gaps in AI governance, particularly in mitigating risks associated with misuse – including its application in criminal activities.
These various perspectives and government initiatives will take centre stage at the 3rd Unesco Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, which begins tomorrow in Bangkok.
Led by Thailand's Digital Economy and Society Ministry, and the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry, the forum will gather over 800 leaders, experts, and scholars from 194 Unesco member states. Participants will explore practical approaches to ethical AI that are transparent, fair, and centred on human rights.
The programme will include strategic and ministerial sessions on AI governance and regional cooperation. Keynote speeches during the opening ceremony will feature international leaders presenting their national visions for ethical AI.
Side events will include academic paper presentations, startup pitch competitions, and workshops covering topics such as child rights in the AI era, regional workforce development, and regulatory sandbox testing.
Key themes of the forum include:
Human rights and AI – safeguarding personal data in the digital age
AI policy – setting transparent, accountable, and enforceable standards
AI in education – unlocking learning opportunities for all
Reducing inequality – ensuring inclusive AI for a fairer future
The future of work – equipping people for the AI-driven workforce
According to the event website, speakers taking part in the panel discussions include Malaysia's Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo; Unesco director-general, Audrey Azoulay; Asean secretary-general, Kao Kim Hourn; and International Telecommunication Union secretary-general, Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
The forum, which will be officiated by Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, comes ahead of the Asean Summit on AI, to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 12-13.
Southeast Asian nations have been aggressively pushing for the adoption and adaptation of AI technologies, as tech giants continue to invest heavily in the region.
Last month, Gobind highlighted that Malaysia is calling for stronger Asean collaboration to develop common principles and interoperable frameworks for trusted AI and ethical data governance. Malaysia is the Asean chair this year.
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