AI-Ready Flemish Public Administration
About the projectÂ
This project enhances the capacity of AI governance within Flemish public administrations. It uses a systemic, organisational approach, supporting legal, policy, human and technical capacity building.
Flanders is a pioneer in that this project is the world’s first regional implementation of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). The Flanders RAM will map the AI policy and governance landscape, as well as identify priority areas for ethical AI governance in Flanders across the six RAM dimensions: legal, socio-cultural, scientific, economic and technical.
The project also aims to respond to the needs of civil servants with governance tools. Based on research and a series of engagement opportunities, the governance tools will assist entities across the Flemish public administration will be well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of AI governance and technology.
Governance ToolsÂ
Legal pillar
To help civil servants navigate the complex legal landscape.
EU AI Act Guidance Note: Practical guidance on compliance requirements for Flemish public administrations
Self-assessment tools report: Evaluation of existing AI self-assessment tools and recommendations for Flemish context
Monitoring dashboard for EU digital legislation: Tool to track and disseminate information on EU digital legislation and guidelines
Human pillar
To provide a baseline AI literacy for all and identify profile-specific competencies.
AI literacy skills assessment and training plan: Mapping of existing competencies and required digital/AI skills with corresponding training recommendations
Technical pillar
To establish current technical needs and future architecture strategies.
Data governance reference documentation: Guidance on data strategy, interoperability, and data stewardship for AI applications
AI-ready architecture framework: Reference architecture for AI-ready ICT infrastructure and assessment of reusable AI components
Algorithm register feasibility study: Assessment of creating a public register to monitor AI algorithms used in public administration
Government technology dashboard: Tool to monitor and share information about emerging AI technologies relevant to government functions
UNESCO's Perspective on Ethics of AI
Promoting ethical development and application of emerging technologies is one of UNESCO’s core functions. In 2021, UNESCO produced the first-ever global standard on AI ethics, the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. It is applicable to all 194 member states of UNESCO.
The protection of human rights and dignity is the cornerstone of the Recommendation, based on the advancement of fundamental principles such as transparency and fairness, always remembering the importance of human oversight of AI systems.
UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment MethodologyÂ
The Flanders project leverages UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), bringing expertise from over 60 RAM implementations worldwide. The RAM is a key tool to support Member States in their implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
Contact information and engagementÂ
We are very interested in hearing about the needs and experiences of civil servants using, engaging, questioning AI implementation in public administration. We are always open for an exploratory chat: ai.ethics@unesco.org.