Dr. Fartousi Emphasizes the Link Between Ethics and Law in Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Advancing Peace
The conference “Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights and Peace: Risks and Opportunities” was held on 19 October 2026, organized by the UNESCO Chair in Human Rights, Peace and Democracy at the Chair’s premises at Shahid Beheshti University.
The opening speakers were Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of The Iranian National Commission for UNESCO; Dr. Saeed Reza Ameli, Head of the UNESCO Chair on Cyberspace and Culture: Dual-Spaceing of the World; and Dr. Mehdi Sabouri Pour, Head of the Research Center and UNESCO Chair in Human Rights, Peace and Democracy.
In his remarks, Dr. Hassan Fartousi emphasized the interconnectedness of ethics and law in the field of artificial intelligence and the need to move beyond raising ethical issues surrounding this technology towards the development of AI rights. He also highlighted AI’s potential to bring about significant transformation in less developed countries, describing the appropriate use of this technology as an opportunity to narrow the digital divide and expand equitable access. He further stressed the importance of making extensive use of AI capabilities in times of peace, with a view to prevention and developing solutions.
The Secretary-General of The Iranian National Commission for UNESCO also presented an overview of the latest global developments in AI ethics, an area led by UNESCO. Referring to key points from UNESCO’s Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, he underscored the importance of giving greater attention in Iran to artificial intelligence and its relationship with ethics and law.
The one-day conference also featured specialized panels entitled “AI Governance,” “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights,” “Artificial Intelligence and Criminal Justice,” and “Artificial Intelligence and International Law.”
