The LG Group’s artificial intelligence think tank, LG AI Research in SEOUL, disclosed on Sunday the signing of a letter of intent with UNESCO in Seoul. The aim is to jointly raise awareness and understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding AI technology. This collaboration marks a significant step towards the ethical development and utilization of AI systems, being the first of its kind between UNESCO and a Korean company.
The agreement outlined the mutual commitment to enhance AI systems for the betterment of humanity and sustainable progress. It includes the call for the creation of AI social impact assessments and effective management frameworks to ensure the protection of data privacy and security.
LG and UNESCO plan to enhance the capabilities of both public and private sectors through extensive open online courses and the integration of academic components focusing on AI ethics. Additionally, they will organize international events to promote awareness of ethical considerations in AI development.
UNESCO’s groundbreaking initiative, the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, established in November 2021, serves as a global framework for the ethical deployment of AI technologies. Endorsed by all 193 member states, this initiative aims to guide the ethical use of AI while upholding fundamental principles such as transparency and equity, safeguarding human rights and dignity.
Emphasizing customer-centric values over technological advancements, LG’s think tank unveiled its AI ethics principles in August 2022 to ensure the creation of reliable AI systems. The company has also established a task force for AI impact assessment and an AI working group in collaboration with other affiliates within the group.
Bae Kyung-hon, the head of LG AI Research, anticipates positive outcomes through cross-sector collaboration involving businesses, global organizations, academia, and civil society to foster the responsible and trustworthy growth of AI within an internationally recognized framework of trust.
Kim Soo-hyun, director of the UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau, expressed confidence that the collective efforts will foster diverse, multi-stakeholder collaborations, sharing varied experiences and best practices to leverage the potential of AI for societal benefit.
