HLCP Inter-Agency Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (2020-2025)

• Co-chairs: ITU and UNESCO
• Reported to: High-level Committee on Programmes

At its 40th session in October 2020, HLCP decided to create a timebound inter-agency working group on artificial intelligence (IAWG-AI), co-led by UNESCO and ITU, to bring together normative and programmatic expertise on artificial intelligence to enhance UN system-wide policy coherence and programmatic coordination on AI. In March 2021, HLCP approved the terms of reference of the IAWG-AI, with a focus to: a) facilitate exchange of information internally within the UN system, b) strengthen internal system-wide capacity, c) complement and contribute to existing efforts, and d) facilitate interagency cooperation in capacity building activities to support Member States. 

In 2022, following the adoption by UNESCO’s General Conference of the Recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the working group developed the Principles for the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in the United Nations System. The set of ten principles, grounded in ethics and human rights, aims at guiding the use of AI across all stages of an AI system lifecycle across UN system entities. CEB endorsed the Principles in September 2022. 

In 2023, against the background of the rapid development and deployment of AI and the growing need for appropriate AI governance, the working group developed the United Nations System White Paper on AI Governance. The White Paper analyses the UN system's institutional models, functions, and existing international normative frameworks applicable to global AI governance. The paper was approved by HLCP at its 47th session, in March 2024, and was subsequently endorsed by CEB. It was offered as a UN system-wide contribution to relevant deliberations on the governance of AI, including the work of the Secretary-General's High-level Advisory Body on AI. 

Mindful of ongoing processes related to the implementation of the Global Digital Compact while recognizing the need for continued inter-agency coordination on AI, HLCP, in October 2024, supported the continuation of the working group for 12 months and requested the delivery of a limited number of practical outputs within that timeframe.  

At HLCP’s 50th session, the IAWG-AI delivered its final report to the Committee on its activities carried out over the past year, notably the development of a UN AI Resource Hub comprised of over 700 AI initiatives. Recognizing the timebound nature and internal focus of HLCP’s subsidiary mechanisms, HLCP expressed its deep appreciation for the work of the IAWG-AI over the years and decided to conclude the mandate of the IAWG-AI under HLCP.