Telecommunications firm becomes first Australian organisation to join the council
Telstra has become the first Australian organisation to join UNESCO's Business Council that aims to "promote ethical practices within the AI industry."
The telecommunications firm joins organisations such as Microsoft and Salesforce to support policy development in critical areas such as data governance and diversity.
It will also promote the implementation of UNESCO's recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
"We're proud to be the first Australian company to join the UNESCO Business Council and champion the increasingly critical cause of ethical and responsible AI," said Kim Krogh Andersen, group executive of Product & Technology at Telstra, in a statement.
"In such a fast-moving space, collaboration is non-negotiable. We all need to lean on and learn from each other, to ensure AI is developed and deployed in a way that respects human rights, diversity, and dignity."
Telstra is currently using two in-house generative AI solutions that it rolled out to more employees this year following successful trials in 2023. It also collaborated with Microsoft in adopting the AI tools.
UNESCO's Business Council
The Business Council, co-chaired by Microsoft and Telefonica, is a collaborative initiative between UNESCO and global companies involved in the development or use of AI in various sectors.
"The council serves as a platform for companies to come together, exchange experiences, and promote ethical practices within the AI industry," UNESCO said on its website.
Among its goals is to develop the Ethical Impact Assessment tool mandated by the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, as well as joint initiatives to ensure AI serves the public.
Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, said they are pleased that Telstra is joining the organisation in implementing the recommendation.
"UNESCO is leading the international efforts to build ethical, responsible, and inclusive AI frameworks worldwide, working with governments from 50 countries, G7, G20 and other international initiatives, and particularly with leading global companies. Having Telstra in our Business Council will foster our speed, depth and reach," Ramos said in a statement.
