AI for Good: How the UN uses AI to advance human rights

The United Nations is leveraging artificial intelligence to drive progress in critical areas such as education, environmental protection, and public health. Across its agencies, the organization is deploying AI tools to support peace, security, and human rights while leading discussions on responsible AI governance. Recent initiatives highlight how AI is being used to create personalized learning experiences, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve disease detection. In Jamaica, six-year-old Ari, who struggles with learning difficulties, is benefiting from AI-driven educational technology that transforms traditional textbooks into interactive formats tailored to his needs. According to Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF's Global Director of Education and Adolescent Development, such innovations represent a broader shift toward inclusive education. The ADT initiative, developed in collaboration with local advocacy groups, aims to overcome barriers faced by nearly 240 million children globally with disabilities. While the program was established prior to the surge in AI adoption, its current AI-enhanced version is operational in 17 countries, serving almost two million children. With six additional nations joining this year, the initiative plans to expand to 50 countries by 2030. At the same time, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is utilizing AI to combat climate change by addressing methane emissions, a powerful contributor to global warming. Methane is approximately 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. To tackle this issue, UNEP launched the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) in 2024. This system employs AI to analyze data from 30 satellites, identifying methane plumes and issuing alerts to relevant authorities. Since its inception, MARS has generated 7,500 alerts, prompting 42 mitigation efforts. These actions have prevented emissions equivalent to 24 million gas-powered cars. Martin Krause, director of UNEP's Climate Change Division, emphasized that AI significantly enhances the speed and accuracy of leak detection compared to manual methods, enabling timely interventions that benefit both businesses and the environment. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) is integrating AI into healthcare systems to improve tuberculosis (TB) screening in regions with limited medical resources. In Ethiopia, for example, gold miners are at higher risk of TB due to exposure to dust and silica. AI-powered computer-aided detection (CAD) technology enables rapid analysis of chest X-rays, generating scores that indicate the likelihood of TB. This tool assists overburdened radiologists in low-income settings, facilitating quicker diagnoses and earlier treatment. Earlier detection not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces the spread of the disease within communities. Dr. Vanessa Veronese, a scientist at the WHO’s Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, noted that the WHO officially endorsed CAD for adult TB screening in 2021 and has since supported its implementation in developing countries. These diverse applications underscore the growing role of AI in advancing global challenges. From transforming education to safeguarding the environment and enhancing public health, the UN is demonstrating how technology can be harnessed for humanitarian purposes. As these programs continue to scale, their impact on millions of lives will likely grow, reinforcing the potential of AI as a force for good.