The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with UNESCO and the Thailand Institute of Justice, organized a regional training to enhance judicial capacity on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence. Judges from 13 Asia-Pacific countries attended a three-day workshop in Bangkok to understand how AI technologies are impacting justice systems and what safeguards are needed to uphold fairness, independence, and public trust in the rule of law.
Participants explored real-world examples of AI being used in court administration, legal research, and case management. The discussions highlighted both opportunities, such as increasing efficiency and improving access to justice, and risks, including algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and potential erosion of judicial independence if AI tools are deployed without robust oversight.
The training emphasized that AI should enhance judicial processes while adhering to ethical standards and human rights principles. Judges examined scenarios where unregulated AI could reinforce inequality or undermine public confidence, stressing the importance of explainability, transparency, and human oversight in applying AI within judicial contexts.
Overall, the initiative reflects a broader effort to equip justice officials with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the intersection of technology and law responsibly. By fostering understanding and dialogue on ethical AI use, UNDP and UNESCO aim to ensure that AI supports, rather than compromises, the rule of law and human rights across the region.
