Source: TechReviewAfrica

UNESCO contributed to a specialised training programme for judges at France's École nationale de la magistrature (ENM), aiming to equip judicial officers with knowledge and practical tools to address artificial intelligence's growing impact on justice systems. The programme gathered 23 judges from Andorra, Brazil, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg and Spain to examine opportunities and challenges presented by AI in judicial processes. During two dedicated sessions, UNESCO provided insights into artificial intelligence strategies for the judiciary and covered regulatory frameworks including the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act and the proposed Digital Omnibus framework. Discussions focused on how courts can adopt AI technologies while protecting human rights, judicial independence and the rule of law.

The initiative is part of UNESCO's broader AI and Rule of Law Programme and receives support from the European Union. UNESCO said it works with judicial academies and institutions worldwide to provide judges with the knowledge, tools and international perspectives needed to govern artificial intelligence responsibly. The organisation emphasised that continuous professional development and international cooperation will be essential as AI becomes more integrated into justice systems. The stated objective is to ensure technological innovation enhances trust, fairness and equal access to justice rather than undermining them.