Nigerian scholar Professor Chidi Oguamanam appointed to UNESCO's ethics commission

This four-year appointment, from 2026 to 2029, acknowledges his contributions to the ethics of science and technology. UNESCO, in a letter, described the commission as an independent advisory body that reflects on major ethical challenges from scientific and technological advancements. Established in 1998, the commission gathers experts globally to examine ethical issues in scientific and technological developments, climate change, and the environment.

UNESCO emphasizes regional balance in its membership to foster multidisciplinary discussions on emerging ethical challenges. The commission offers guidance and recommendations through reports to UNESCO, its member states, the scientific community, policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders. Its past work includes contributions to the Declaration of Ethical Principles in Relation to Climate Change and the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

Recently, it published reports on the ethics of quantum computing and space exploration. The commission will now focus on new areas, including emerging ethical challenges from scientific and technological developments. UNESCO expressed confidence in Professor Oguamanam's expertise and anticipates his active contribution to forthcoming reports and the id