Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: who is in charge?, Dr Petru Dumitriu
Dr Petru Dumitriu
Senior Fellow and Lecturer on Multilateral Diplomacy
DiploFoundation
Switzerland/Malta
OCRID: 0009-0006-2772-7623
Type of Paper: Viewpoint
Received: 9 October 2025 / Revised: 15 December 2025 / Accepted: 16 December 2025 / Published: 30 December 2025
DOI: 10.47556/B.OUTLOOK2025.23.20
Purpose: This study aims to analyse the perspectives of the United Nations (UN) system, European Union (EU) and other international organisations on the ethical aspects of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper will explore the attempts to define the main ethics challenges that may accompany the use of AI as reflected in the documents adopted by international organisations, in particular by the EU and the UN.
Findings: As the UN does not have its own capacity to develop AI tools, it is playing a considerable role in defining principles, limits, and possible rules on the use of AI and stimulating international co-operation. However, the regulations adopted by the EU on AI may influence international co-operation at the global level.
Originality: The paper identifies the most significant actions taken at international level, and analyses their similarities, differences, and neglected areas in dealing with the preservation of a strong ethical dimension and the use of AI in service of the public good.
Implications: The paper will help to develop a better knowledge and understanding of the most meaningful conceptual advances in defining and disseminating the principles of ethics among the many stakeholders involved in developing, promoting, and using AI instruments.
Keywords: Ethics; AI; Council of Europe Framework Convention; EU AI Act; UNESCO; Unethical Practices; Enforcement; WSIS.
Citation: Dumitriu, P. (2025): Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: who is in charge?. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): World Sustainable Development Outlook 2025: United Nations: What Next After 2030 Agenda and SDGs, Vol. 21, pp. 301-320. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
