SAMARKAND, November 7. /Dunyo IA/. Yesterday, during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, the inaugural ceremony of the UNESCO–Uzbekistan "Abu Rayhon Beruni" Prize was held, honoring outstanding scientific research in the field of Artificial Intelligence Ethics, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The UNESCO–Uzbekistan "Abu Rayhon Beruni" Prize for Research in the Field of Artificial Intelligence Ethics was established at the initiative of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, and was officially approved by the 220th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board, held in Paris on October 22, 2024. The foundation for this prestigious award was laid by a presidential decree issued on August 25, 2023, titled «On Supporting the Establishment of the International Prize "UNESCO–Uzbekistan in the Name of Abu Rayhon Beruni"».

The prize is named after the great thinker and encyclopedic scholar, Abu Rayhon Beruni, who made an outstanding contribution to the development of global science and culture. The award aims to stimulate research in the field of artificial intelligence ethics, promote the principles of inclusivity, cultural diversity, and responsible use of next-generation technologies.

The "UNESCO–Uzbekistan in the Name of Beruni" Prize is the first international award in the history of the United Nations system dedicated to the ethical aspects of artificial intelligence. It is awarded every two years to three laureates for outstanding scientific achievements, practical initiatives, and international cooperation in the field of AI ethics. Each laureate receives a monetary prize of 30,000 USD, a certificate, and a commemorative medal.

The Laureates of the First "UNESCO–Uzbekistan in the Name of Abu Rayhon Beruni" Prize (2025):

Professor Virgílio Augusto Fernandes de Almeida (Brazil) — Category: "Individual"

Professor Virgílio Augusto Fernandes de Almeida, Honorary Professor of Computer Science at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), has been awarded the prize for his outstanding contribution to advancing ethical, inclusive, and human-centered approaches to artificial intelligence. During his tenure as Brazil’s National Secretary for Information Technology Policy and as Chairman of the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee, Professor Almeida made a significant impact on shaping global digital policy and internet governance. His works "Governance in the Digital World" (2020) and "Algorithmic Institutionalism" (2023) have been important contributions to the development of ethical approaches to digital technology governance.

Professor Susan Perry (USA) and Claudia Maria Giovanna Roda (Italy) — Category: "Joint Scientific Projects"

Both professors are from the American University in Paris, where they head the UNESCO Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights. They are recognized for their innovative research in the field of youth-oriented and forward-thinking artificial intelligence ethics, which integrates human rights, technology, education, and social inclusion. Their work strengthens the connection between technological innovations and the protection of human dignity.

Institute for International Artificial Intelligence Governance (I-AIIG), Tsinghua University (China) — Category: "Research Institutes"

Under the leadership of Professor Lan Xue, with the participation of Professors Zheng Liang and Qian Xiao, the Institute was awarded the prize for its outstanding contribution to advancing research in the ethics of artificial intelligence and fostering a global dialogue in this field. Established in 2020, the Institute for International Artificial Intelligence Governance (I-AIIG) has become a leading center for international cooperation on AI governance, including the organization of the International Forum on AI Cooperation and Governance and the U&AI AI4SDG Bootcamp youth camp.

The award ceremony was accompanied by an expert roundtable discussion titled "Ethics in Action: Harnessing Frontier Technologies for the Benefit of All" where the role of UNESCO in shaping global ethical standards for emerging technologies was discussed.

The event was organized by the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan.

The establishment and presentation of the UNESCO–Uzbekistan "Abu Rayhon Beruni" Prize represents a significant step in strengthening international cooperation and advancing the principles of ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in the pursuit of sustainable development and the common good.