UNESCO is placing artificial intelligence and ocean science at the center of its international cooperation agenda as governments and experts examine how rapidly developing technologies can be used responsibly while addressing major challenges facing the world’s oceans.

The organization is using the international diplomatic environment surrounding the United Nations General Assembly to encourage stronger cooperation between countries on two areas that are increasingly connected to global development: advanced digital technologies and ocean knowledge.

AI Becomes a Global Governance Challenge

Artificial intelligence is developing at a rapid pace and is increasingly being used across education, science, culture, government services and economic activity.

UNESCO has emphasized that technological progress needs to be accompanied by appropriate ethical safeguards, skills development and responsible governance.

The organization has been working to encourage countries to develop approaches that allow societies to benefit from AI while protecting fundamental rights and promoting transparency.

Responsible AI Requires International Cooperation

AI systems can operate across national borders, meaning that many of the challenges associated with the technology cannot be addressed by individual countries alone.

Issues involving data protection, copyright, misinformation, algorithmic bias, access to technology and the future of employment have become part of the wider international conversation.

UNESCO’s AI work is therefore focused on helping countries develop policies and institutional capacity for responsible use of the technology.

Museums Are Already Experimenting With AI

Recent UNESCO-ICOM research illustrates how quickly AI is entering the cultural sector.

A global survey covering more than 400 museums across 90 countries found that 57 percent of responding museums were already using AI, while 55 percent had no internal AI policy, strategy or guidelines. Accuracy, copyright and data protection were among the leading concerns identified by participating institutions.

The findings demonstrate a wider challenge: adoption of AI can move faster than the development of governance systems designed to manage it.

Ocean Science Enters the Conversation

UNESCO is also emphasizing the importance of ocean science.

Oceans play a central role in climate regulation, biodiversity, food systems, transportation and economic activity. Yet scientists still face significant gaps in ocean observation and knowledge.

Advanced technologies, including AI and data-analysis systems, could help researchers process increasingly large quantities of information collected from marine environments.

Better data can support scientific research, environmental monitoring and decision-making.

Connecting Technology With Ocean Knowledge

The combination of AI and ocean science could create new opportunities for understanding marine ecosystems.

AI-assisted analysis can potentially help researchers identify patterns in large datasets, improve forecasting and support monitoring activities.

However, effective use of these technologies depends on reliable data, scientific expertise and international cooperation.

Countries also need mechanisms for sharing knowledge and ensuring that technological benefits are not limited to a small group of technologically advanced economies.

Developing Countries Need Greater Access

A major issue in international technology cooperation is unequal access.

Some countries have advanced computing infrastructure, large research institutions and extensive scientific datasets, while others face shortages of equipment, funding and technical expertise.

International cooperation can help narrow these gaps by supporting training, research partnerships and access to scientific information.

This is particularly important in ocean science because many developing and island nations depend heavily on marine ecosystems and coastal resources.

Protecting Scientific Integrity

The increasing use of AI in scientific research also raises questions about accuracy and reliability.

AI-generated results still require expert evaluation, and scientific institutions need appropriate standards for checking information.

UNESCO’s wider work on ethical AI emphasizes the importance of human oversight and responsible technological development.

These principles become especially significant when AI tools are used in areas affecting environmental policy or public decision-making.

Ocean Science and Climate Action

Improving knowledge of the oceans is closely connected to climate policy.

Marine ecosystems absorb large amounts of carbon and influence global weather and climate systems. Changes in ocean temperatures, sea levels and marine biodiversity can have consequences for coastal communities and economies.

Better scientific monitoring can help governments understand these changes and develop more informed policies.

International Institutions Seek a Common Framework

UNESCO’s efforts reflect a broader international movement toward cooperation on emerging technologies.

Rather than treating AI solely as a technology issue, governments and international organizations are increasingly examining its implications for education, culture, science, human rights and sustainable development.

The same approach is being applied to ocean science, where scientific knowledge needs to be connected with environmental policy and international cooperation.

The Road Ahead

The coming years are likely to see closer interaction between AI, scientific research and environmental monitoring.

The challenge will be ensuring that technological progress strengthens scientific knowledge without creating new inequalities or weakening public trust.

International organizations can play a role by helping countries exchange expertise, establish ethical principles and develop the skills required to use emerging technologies effectively.

UNESCO’s current focus on AI and ocean science reflects this broader effort to connect technological innovation with global public interests.