On August 13, 2024, Almaty, Kazakhstan, hosted the Third International UNESCO Model Conference, focusing on the “Ethics of the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education.” The event, held under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan within the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, attracted 53 youth delegates from 32 countries. This prominent conference, patronized by UNESCO, has evolved over the past seven years from a city-level initiative to a major international platform for global youth dialogue.
The conference included a cultural excursion on its first day, where delegates visited the Shymbulak Mountain Resort. This outing provided participants with an opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of the Trans-Ili Alatau and enriched their educational journey with cultural immersion.
At the end of the second day, awards were presented in several categories:
Best Idea and Approach: Abdyleziz Saryyev from Turkmenistan
Best Speaker: Naima Umiryayeva from Egypt
Best Presentation: Nadzratul Insyirah Binti Muhammad Nazomi from Malaysia
Bolat Akchulakov, President of the World and Kazakh Federation of Clubs for UNESCO, highlighted the importance of addressing ethical issues in AI development. “As technology evolves, it is crucial to ensure AI contributes positively to education while maintaining high standards of fairness and integrity. This conference serves as a vital platform for exploring innovative solutions to the ethical challenges posed by AI in education,” he stated in his opening remarks.
Lam Tai Yin from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China shared her appreciation for the event, noting the valuable intercultural exchanges and lasting friendships formed. “The conference was an exceptional experience that brought together young people from diverse backgrounds. The synergy and openness displayed were remarkable, and I hope these connections will persist despite geographical distances.”
The Third International UNESCO Model was organized by the World and Kazakhstan Federations of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, supported by the National Commission of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ICESCO, and the Shymbulak Mountain Resort. The primary aim of the event was to enhance participants’ understanding of UNESCO’s global priorities and challenges.