  This paper aims to provide an overview of the ethical concerns in artificial
intelligence (AI) and the framework that is needed to mitigate those risks, and
to suggest a practical path to ensure the development and use of AI at the
United Nations (UN) aligns with our ethical values. The overview discusses how
AI is an increasingly powerful tool with potential for good, albeit one with a
high risk of negative side-effects that go against fundamental human rights and
UN values. It explains the need for ethical principles for AI aligned with
principles for data governance, as data and AI are tightly interwoven. It
explores different ethical frameworks that exist and tools such as assessment
lists. It recommends that the UN develop a framework consisting of ethical
principles, architectural standards, assessment methods, tools and
methodologies, and a policy to govern the implementation and adherence to this
framework, accompanied by an education program for staff.
