About UNU
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organisation headquartered in Japan. The mission of the UN University is to contribute, through collaborative research and education, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States.Activities by UNU
The Use of Synthetic Data to Train AI Models: Opportunities and Risks for Sustainable Development
Global Not ApplicableThis document sets out recommendations for the responsible use of synthetic data in AI training. The use of synthetic data has the potential to enhance existing data to allow for more efficient and inclusive practices and policies. However, we cannot assume synthetic data to be automatically better or even equivalent to data from the physical world.
Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory GuidanceAwareness/AdvocacyDigital Technologies, Hiring, Training, and Firm Outcomes: Evidence from AI and ICT Adoption in Indian firms
Asia and the Pacific IndiaIn this study, using a novel dataset that matches firm-level data with online job vacancy data, we investigate the effects of firms’ digital technology adoption on future hiring and the dynamics of hiring and training, focusing on different types of technologies and categories of occupations. First, we examine the impact of adopting different types of digital technologies, namely AI, Advanced ICT, and Basic ICT, on future firm hiring. Second, we show that there is a positive relationship between training and new hiring only for one occupational category, namely, managers, with no significant relationship for other occupations. Third, we investigate the joint effect of training and technology adoption for firm performance. Our findings reveal that digital technology adoption enhances a firm’s financial performance only when combined with internal staff training. The sole exception is AI, which yields positive performance benefits even in the absence of training.
Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsBaseline assessment of the Artificial Intelligence landscape in Mongolia
Asia and the Pacific MongoliaThe project aims to do a baseline assessment of the AI landscape in Mongolia to develop AI standards, frameworks, policies, and initiatives at the national level. The project develop a pilot AI readiness assessment that will help Mongolia to develop the complete methodology in the future and prepare for the national AI roadmap. The work has been conducted by UNESCO and the United Nations University Institute in Macau to develop a research project analyzing the current state of AI readiness in Mongolia.
Activity Type Technical AssistanceResearch/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory GuidanceUNU-UNESCO-UM Workshop: Ethical AI - Pioneering Progress in the Asia-Pacific
Asia and the PacificThis workshop aims to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue, uniting experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the ethical dimensions of AI and seeks to catalyze collective efforts toward responsible AI development and deployment in the region.
Activity Type Awareness/AdvocacyTrainings/Workshops