Pope returns to UNESCO after 46 years

Pope Leo XIV will visit UNESCO in Paris on September 25, continuing a legacy started by Pope John Paul II in 1980. His visit comes as the world faces unprecedented conflicts, polarization, and rapid AI development.

UNESCO's mission: keeping intellectual space free

Founded in 1945, UNESCO was built to protect freedom of speech, science, and facts from political influence. This mission remains vital as multilateral institutions face a crisis of trust and effectiveness.

The Pope's message aligns with UNESCO values

Pope Leo XIV has spoken out on ethics, equality, and peace. His encyclical Magnifica Humanitas addresses the ethical dilemmas of rapid technological progress, resonating with UNESCO's core mandate.

Global crises compound at once

Climate change, deep inequality, armed conflicts, and disrespect for international law create an unprecedented moment. Technology is evolving faster than safeguards for human dignity can keep pace.

“there is a disrespect for international law that we haven't really seen before”

Young people demand dialogue on AI

UNESCO surveyed youth who said they need the older generation to accompany them on AI and social media decisions. They also raised concerns about peace, equality, and inequality across income, race, and gender.

“don't leave us. We can make decisions for ourselves but we need to dialogue about this”

UNESCO's AI ethics guidelines reach 78 countries

UNESCO issued ethical AI guidelines in 2021 and created a self-assessment process. Seventy-eight countries have applied these tools to evaluate their own AI policies and reforms.

Women researchers push for AI equity

UNESCO's Women for Ethical Use of AI network highlights gender gaps in tech decision-making. Women and men experience social media and AI differently, requiring gender-aware policy approaches.

Tech companies need accountability too

Some tech companies are now more powerful than individual nations. UNESCO can propose frameworks and information, but member states must decide whether to legislate or regulate these corporations.

Multilateralism faces a trust crisis

The UN faces financial strain and a trust crisis. The Security Council struggles to agree on issues needed for peace agreements. Yet the UN remains the only global organization where all member states participate.

New UN Secretary-General arrives January 2027

The UN will elect a new Secretary-General this fall to take office January 1, 2027. The role demands enormous capability to restore the UN's influence on peace negotiations and peacekeeping.

UNESCO's role in rebuilding peace

UNESCO works with researchers, scientists, teachers, librarians, civil society, and the private sector to build dialogue based on facts and free speech. This coalition approach is essential to restoring peace.

Concentration of power threatens equality

When power and resources concentrate with too few at the expense of many, societies suffer. Supporting quality education for all and rebuilding trust are essential to creating systems that work for everyone.

Dialogue is the only path forward

Peaceful dialogue based on facts and free speech must return to center stage. Building on dialogue with all stakeholders, including those organizing for change, offers the only realistic path to peace.

“I don't really see any other way”

Trust is the foundation of working societies

Without trust, societies cannot function for the good of everyone. Rebuilding trust through dialogue, facts, and shared responsibility is the foundation for creating systems that serve all people.

“Only when you have trust can you build societies that actually work for the good for everyone”

Friday's youth forum sets the tone

Before the Pope's address, UNESCO hosts a Forum for Youth in the Era of AI inspired by Magnifica Humanitas. Young people will discuss contemporary AI challenges, feeding their insights into the Pope's later meeting.