Leading key discussions on the ethics of AI
On 5 August 2026, over 300 competitors from around the world attended a series of lectures and discussions on the Ethics of AI led by UNESCO-Uzbekistan Beruniy Prize Professor Virgílio Almeida and Professor Liang Zheng, representing I-AIIG at Tsinghua University. Drawing on the research and expertise recognized by the Prize, the laureates introduced different perspectives on AI ethics and governance and engaged directly with competitors on the questions raised. Professor Virgílio Almeida addressed questions of accountability, human oversight and the institutional frameworks needed to support responsible AI governance. Professor Liang Zheng, representing I-AIIG at Tsinghua University, laureate of the Prize, presented perspectives and practices from China, highlighting ongoing approaches to advancing ethical and responsible AI governance.
Through the UNESCO–Uzbekistan Beruniy Prize, we recognize outstanding scientific contributions to the ethics of AI. But beyond recognition, the Prize also serves as a platform for continued engagement, connecting research, policy, and society.
Dr. Dafna Feinholz, Chief of Section of Bioethics and Ethics of Science and Technology, UNESCO
On 6 August, Professor Almeida, Professor Liang Zheng and Ms Xiao Qian, representing I-AIIG, contributed to a high-level panel on AI, public sector transformation, education, science and international cooperation, which brought together over 200 international experts and researchers. The discussion examined the opportunities and challenges associated with the rapid development of AI, including its impact on education, skills, science, as well as the importance of cooperation between governments, academia and other stakeholders.
Beyond their participation in the programme, the UNESCO-Uzbekistan Beruniy Prize laureates also engaged with the Scientific and Selection Committee of the Olympiad. Their contribution focused on incorporating ethical considerations into the competition framework and selection process, drawing on their respective expertise to strengthen the integration of the ethics of AI into future editions.
Paving the way for the next generation
The participation of the UNESCO Prize laureates at the Olympiad brought research on the Ethics of AI into direct dialogue with young people allowing them to engage with different perspectives on the ethical and societal questions raised by the development, deployment, and use of AI.
In Prof. Virgilio Almeida’s words:
“It was truly rewarding to see such brilliant young people solving challenging AI problems. But perhaps even more inspiring was seeing students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and other parts of the world interacting, learning from one another, and imagining the possibilities that AI can create for the future. The lecture on AI Ethics and Governance resonated strongly with the students, as reflected in the many thoughtful and challenging questions they raised.
I left the Olympiad with a strong sense of hope. These young people reminded me that we can build a better future with AI—but that the greatest challenge is not simply building more intelligent AI. It is building the institutions, rules, and forms of governance that ensure AI serves humanity.”
Through such engagement, the UNESCO–Uzbekistan Beruniy Prize extends the reach of the expertise it recognizes and fosters knowledge-sharing across research, education and practice.
