UNESCO REF Media Centre | Outside Source
UNESCO Opens Global Online Course on Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law
Developed with The Future Society and leading judicial and technical partners, the course equips judges, lawyers and judicial operators worldwide to navigate the opportunities and the risks of artificial intelligence in justice systems.
PARIS, France. Judicial systems worldwide are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to support legal practitioners in identifying precedents, to streamline judicial processes, and to assist judges in decisions related to sentencing and recidivism. While these applications hold promise for efficiency and innovation, they also raise profound implications for human rights, particularly where the opacity of AI systems may challenge the principles of open justice, due process and the rule of law.
Global alignmentAlignement mondialThe global commitments this story advances. Open to see how.
The course responds to international commitments on justice, human rights and the ethical governance of technology.
- SDG16
SDG 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (primary)
ProvisionTarget 16.3: the rule of law and equal access to justice for all
How the course respondsPrepares judicial operators to use AI without weakening due process
- SDG4
SDG 4, Quality Education
ProvisionTarget 4.4: relevant skills for decent work
How the course respondsFree, multilingual professional learning
- SDG9
SDG 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
ProvisionResponsible innovation
How the course respondsResponsible adoption of AI in public institutions
- UDHR
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
ProvisionArticle 10: a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal
How the course respondsPlaces open justice at the centre of AI adoption
A global training initiative
Une initiative mondiale de formation
To strengthen capacity in this critical area, UNESCO, in partnership with The Future Society (TFS), has launched a joint online training programme on Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law. The course was formally introduced on 6 December 2021 at The Athens Roundtable, the premier international multi-stakeholder forum on AI, legal systems, regulatory compliance and governance.
Voices of the partners
La parole aux partenaires
Marielza Oliveira, Director in the Communication and Information Sector of UNESCO, emphasised that the societal and human rights impacts of AI demand collective action.
“The online course on AI and the Rule of Law is an effort in this direction, with 21 speakers from 14 countries sharing their unique knowledge and experience.”
Marielza Oliveira, Director, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO
Nicolas Miailhe, President and Founder of The Future Society, highlighted the strategic importance of the programme.
“The course aims to build capacity across judicial stakeholders worldwide so they can be better equipped to navigate AI’s opportunities as well as manage the risks. This is crucial for the responsible adoption of AI.”
Nicolas Miailhe, President and Founder, The Future Society
Benes Aldana, President of the National Judicial College of the United States, underlined the urgency of early engagement.
“The legitimacy of judicial decisions in democratic societies depends on public acceptance of their fairness. It is important for the judiciary to begin early on to build capacity to deal with these rapidly evolving technologies. The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a valuable resource in training judicial operators globally.”
Benes Aldana, President, National Judicial College, United States
Structure of the course
Structure du cours
Developed in collaboration with Cetic.br and NIC.br, the National Judicial College (NJC) and IEEE SA, the course engages participants in a timely global dialogue on the application of AI in justice systems. Structured around six introductory modules, it explores:
- Why AI matters for justice.
- How AI can be responsibly adopted within judicial systems worldwide.
- What AI means for human rights.
- The evolving role of judicial operators in the age of AI.
Access and certification
Accès et certification
The programme is offered in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic and Portuguese, ensuring broad accessibility. Hosted by the National Judicial College, the course commenced on 14 March 2022 and runs for six weeks, after which it remains available online for self-directed learning. Participants who complete all six modules receive a Certificate of Course Completion.
The initiative is supported by the Open Society Foundations and the UNESCO Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP), underscoring a shared commitment to advancing judicial capacity, safeguarding human rights and ensuring the responsible integration of AI into justice systems worldwide.
ENDS
Notes to editorsNotes aux rédactions
About this story. This story reports an announcement made by UNESCO. The UNESCO REF Media Centre carries it in its Outside Source section for the information of its readers. It reflects the position of its original publisher and does not represent the position of UNESCO REF.
About UNESCO REF. The Read and Earn Federation for UNESCO (UNESCO REF) is a multidimensional and multisectoral development institution, established in 2009 under the UNESCO Provisions Framework in Nigeria. It works to strengthen human and institutional capacity across Nigeria and Africa through education, research and professional development, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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