Conference round up – UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025 with Dr Nick Marlow

At the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Bangkok, experts explored the global impacts of AI and how countries are responding, parallels that resonate strongly with Australia.

Dr Nick Marlow, Research Fellow at the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, highlights five themes. First, workforce transformation: the challenge is less about job loss and more about adapting roles to include AI-related tasks. Strategies abroad emphasise targeted upskilling and broad AI literacy, also reflected in Australia’s AI ecosystem.

Second, government literacy is essential. The OECD stressed that officials must be active AI participants, a stance echoed by Australia’s Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government and the new GovAI initiative.

Third, civil society organisations face barriers, limited expertise, low awareness, and scarce resources, leaving them sidelined in AI governance. Addressing these imbalances will be critical for equity and fairness.

Fourth, regulation is maturing. While many countries react to AI after adoption, Australia is shifting toward proactive guidance through voluntary safety standards and technical frameworks.

Finally, interpretation of AI outputs requires human expertise. AI generates probabilities, not context; in healthcare, for instance, professionals must apply clinical judgement to ensure safe, meaningful use.

These insights point to an Australian AI approach that balances technological adoption with inclusivity, forward-looking regulation, and the irreplaceable value of human judgement.

Read Dr Nick’s round-up in full