What happened
UNESCO announced the launch of three new products at the 2026 Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These tools include an updated version of its Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM 2.0), an analysis of global AI governance trends, and a toolkit for policymakers to address the environmental impact of AI systems.
UNESCO is launching three specific products on September 16th at the 2026 Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The forum is jointly hosted by UNESCO, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE).
The first product is 'RAM 2.0,' an improved and updated version of UNESCO's Readiness Assessment Methodology. This update incorporates more insights from women, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples, building on the original RAM which was used by 58 countries to assess their legal, social, economic, educational, and technical preparedness for AI.
The second product is an analysis of the RAM’s findings, which reveals global trends in AI governance. This data-driven approach aims to help policymakers understand common challenges and successes across different regions.
The third product is an AI environment toolkit designed to guide policymakers in reducing the environmental footprint of AI systems. It also aims to advance the use of AI for climate action, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem resilience, addressing the intersection of AI and environmental sustainability.
Why it matters
These tools provide standardized frameworks for nations to assess their AI readiness and integrate ethical and environmental considerations into national strategies. By updating the RAM to include more diverse stakeholder insights and introducing specific environmental guidance, UNESCO aims to harmonize global AI governance approaches and support the 77 countries already partnering with the organization.
UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI is the first global standard in the field, and these new tools operationalize that framework for national implementation. The organization has already partnered with 77 countries to build national AI strategies, making these tools a critical resource for a significant portion of the global community.
The inclusion of diverse stakeholder perspectives in RAM 2.0 addresses previous gaps in AI governance assessments, ensuring that policies better reflect the needs of marginalized groups. This is particularly important as AI systems increasingly impact social equity and cultural norms.
The introduction of an environmental toolkit is significant because it provides concrete guidance for policymakers on the often-overlooked environmental costs of AI. As AI models grow in size and complexity, their energy consumption and carbon footprint are becoming major concerns, and this toolkit offers a structured way to mitigate these impacts.
By providing these tools, UNESCO is reinforcing its role as a central coordinator for global AI ethics, offering practical resources that go beyond high-level principles to support actionable policy development.
What to watch next
Monitor how member states adopt RAM 2.0 and the environmental toolkit in their national AI strategies. Observe whether the updated methodology leads to measurable changes in policy implementation regarding inclusivity and environmental sustainability in AI deployment.
Track the adoption of RAM 2.0 by the 58 countries that have already completed the original methodology, as well as new countries joining the process. The extent of adoption will indicate the tool's practical utility and acceptance among diverse governments.
Observe how the AI environment toolkit is integrated into national AI strategies, particularly in countries with significant AI infrastructure development. This will reveal whether environmental considerations are becoming a standard part of AI policy.
Monitor the outcomes of the panel discussions and workshops at the forum, which tackle issues arising from the agentic AI revolution, including impacts on gender equality, culture, and mental health. These discussions may lead to new international declarations or collaborative initiatives.
Watch for any updates or revisions to UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI that may be informed by the findings from the RAM analysis and the experiences of member states using the new tools.