UNESCO Calls On Philosophers To Guide Ethical Development Of AI In Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria –  The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has issued a direct call to philosophers to provide crucial ethical guidance in the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The appeal was made Thursday during the celebration of World Philosophy Day in Abuja, under the theme: “The Role of the Nigerian Government in Human Wellbeing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of the UNESCO Abuja Office and Representative to Nigeria, emphasized the vital role of philosophers in ensuring the responsible and beneficial development of AI.

He stressed that their expertise is needed to provide an ethical framework for regulating AI’s transformative impact on society, prioritizing human well-being.

Diallo highlighted UNESCO’s proactive approach, citing the organization’s development of recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, emphasising principles of social justice, fairness, non-discrimination, and inclusion.

Furthermore, he announced that Nigeria is one of the few countries implementing UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) tool, a diagnostic instrument designed to facilitate the creation of ethical and responsible AI ecosystems.

Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, echoed these concerns, framing the challenge within the context of Aristotelian ideals of “eudaimonia”—true well-being.

She argued that the Nigerian government faces significant challenges in navigating the opportunities and risks presented by AI, including the development of ethical AI governance policies, bridging the digital literacy gap, protecting data sovereignty and privacy, addressing potential job displacement, and mitigating economic inequality.

Maikudi underscored the importance of a human-centered approach to AI development, asserting that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around.

She called for a visionary and ethical government response that ensures AI benefits all Nigerians and promotes equitable development, allowing every citizen to reach their full potential.

The event served as a platform for discussions on how to effectively regulate AI in Nigeria to safeguard human well-being, leveraging insights gained from the RAM implementation.

UNESCO’s call for philosophical engagement underscores the growing international recognition of the need for ethical considerations to guide the development and deployment of AI, ensuring a future where this powerful technology serves humanity’s best interests.