The Legal Tech Centre of Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) Law School has won an international initiative to establish a UNESCO Chair on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Emerging Technologies and Innovations for Society at MRU and has signed an agreement with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. The UNESCO Group will become a research and innovation hub to address the challenges and opportunities of AI and emerging technologies. The activities of the AI Group will be developed through the development of responsible and sustainable artificial intelligence and new technologies. It will also focus on exploring the ethical, social, legal and cultural aspects of AI and new technologies.
Professor Paul Pakutinskas, who has been appointed to lead this UNESCO group, stresses that the group's activities will undoubtedly serve as a bridge between academia and society, promoting knowledge and understanding of AI and new technologies.
"Our aim is not only to generate research, but also to ensure that this research is accessible and understandable to all those interested in the field. We are committed to fostering international cooperation and knowledge sharing so that together we can tackle today's global challenges," says Prof. Pakutinskas, noting that MRU is committed to becoming a leader in the field of AI and new technologies, not only in Lithuania, but also internationally.
The MRU Artificial Intelligence UNESCO Group will also actively participate in training, mobility exchange, awareness raising and capacity building activities related to the ethical and responsible use of AI and new technologies. This will include community engagement and the practical implementation of the ethics of the AI, with a strong focus on justice, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. It will also aim to become a centre for learning about the societal impact of new technologies, AI ethics and regulation. It will promote the creation of "sandboxes" by developing a safe environment for testing and implementing new technologies. This will not only enable innovation and technological progress to be stimulated, but also ensure that this progress is carried out responsibly and ethically.
Prof. Pakutinskas is a professor at Mykolas Romeris University and has extensive experience in ethical and regulatory issues related to the application of new technologies. His field of interest goes beyond the borders of Lithuania and the European Union and covers a much more global horizon. In cooperation with more than 15 universities worldwide, Prof. Pakutinskas is actively promoting the development of sustainable artificial intelligence. As a board member of the Artificial Intelligence Association, Professor Pakutinskas is also actively involved in AI regulatory issues, especially in the fields of medicine and warfare.
"The UNITWIN UNESCO Programme was established in 1992 to promote international cooperation between universities by fostering inter-institutional knowledge and networking. The programme covers the fields of education, social sciences and communication. UNESCO UNITWIN currently has 950 leaders and 45 UNITWIN networks in 120 countries worldwide. The UNESCO UNITWIN International Leadership Programme also coordinates the establishment and maintenance of partnerships.