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UNESCO supports the ethical use of artificial intelligence in Mongolian journalism

Gary Lloyd | Oct 26,26 | 01:35 EST

Technology

With UNESCO support, the Media Council of Mongolia (MCM) convened the Journalism Ethics Forum 2026 on 17 September in Ulaanbaatar, advancing practical safeguards for verification, editorial accountability, and public trust in an era of evolving artificial intelligence.

Overview of Journalism Ethics Forum 2026 With UNESCO's support, the Media Council of Mongolia (MCM) convened the Journalism Ethics Forum 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, bringing together 96 participants from various media and academic backgrounds. The forum's central theme, 'Artificial Intelligence and Journalism Ethical Risks,' aimed to translate ethical principles into practical newsroom applications. Key topics of discussion included content verification, ensuring human oversight, protecting journalistic sources, safeguarding privacy, adhering to copyright, and promoting transparency in the context of AI use. Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, emphasized the opportunities and risks AI presents, stressing that human editorial judgment and accountability must never be replaced by AI. He advocated for UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence as a global framework grounded in human rights, transparency, fairness, and human oversight, urging participants to develop practical newsroom guidance that upholds rigorous verification and data protection. UNESCO also highlighted its broader work on AI and journalism ethics, connecting newsroom practices to the protection of freedom of expression, access to information, and media pluralism. This involved examining safeguards for confidential information, verifying AI-generated material, disclosing AI usage, and ensuring transparent corrections, while also considering AI tools’ performance in the Mongolian language and local contexts. From ethical principles to newsroom practice G. Gunjidmaa, Executive Director of MCM, warned that AI could amplify journalistic errors through rapid and widespread dissemination, yet stressed that the fundamental principles of journalism remain constant. She emphasized the continued importance of source verification, accuracy, personal data protection, and editorial responsibility, asserting that technology alone cannot make ethical decisions. Gunjidmaa stated that 'Professional ethics, editorial responsibility and media self-regulation will be the main shield protecting trust in journalism during technological change.' She also noted the growing trend of brief journalistic content, such as social media posters, cautioning that even short formats can harm individuals' rights and reputations if not handled ethically. Findings from a survey of 20 Mongolian newsrooms, presented by the NEST Center for Journalism Innovation and Development, provided professional context. The survey revealed interest in AI for reducing repetitive tasks and addressing staff shortages, alongside concerns about verification, information security, and newsroom readiness for responsible AI adoption. A panel discussion showcased practical applications: Business.mn described using Mongolian-language reference materials and editorial principles for AI-assisted technical editing, while Eguur News Agency developed its own solution for confidentiality and information security. These examples highlighted the necessity of balancing efficiency with investment, clear internal rules, and human oversight. The Forum also introduced draft ethical guidance and an adaptable newsroom AI policy framework for media organizations to adopt. Research and professional exchanges further explored synthetic media, deepfakes, and correction practices, linking emerging technological risks to established obligations for accuracy and accountability. The discussion was enriched by the participation of eight media professionals from different provinces and four university-based journalism clubs, strengthening ties between future journalists and the professional community. Mandate: UNESCO's Role in Media Ethics UNESCO's commitment to supporting the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in journalism is deeply rooted in its overarching mandate. This mandate is centered on promoting freedom of expression and ensuring universal access to information. It further extends to advancing the free flow of ideas and fostering the development of free, independent, and pluralistic media environments worldwide. Through its comprehensive programmatic work, which includes robust journalism education initiatives, dedicated efforts to enhance the safety and protection of journalists, widespread promotion of media and information literacy, and the crucial development of ethics for artificial intelligence, UNESCO champions a human-rights-based approach to navigate the complexities of contemporary technological transformation. This strategic approach is meticulously designed to achieve two primary objectives: first, to safeguard the vital principle of editorial independence, which is indispensable for credible and unbiased reporting; and second, to significantly strengthen public-interest journalism, ensuring that media platforms continue to serve their democratic function of informing, educating, and engaging citizens effectively. By focusing on these fundamental pillars, UNESCO aims to guide the evolution of journalistic practices to ensure that the integration of AI tools and technologies contributes positively to a well-informed, just, and equitable society, while steadfastly upholding fundamental human values and rights in the digital age.

Overview of Journalism Ethics Forum 2026

With UNESCO's support, the Media Council of Mongolia (MCM) convened the Journalism Ethics Forum 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, bringing together 96 participants from various media and academic backgrounds. The forum's central theme, 'Artificial Intelligence and Journalism Ethical Risks,' aimed to translate ethical principles into practical newsroom applications. Key topics of discussion included content verification, ensuring human oversight, protecting journalistic sources, safeguarding privacy, adhering to copyright, and promoting transparency in the context of AI use. Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, emphasized the opportunities and risks AI presents, stressing that human editorial judgment and accountability must never be replaced by AI. He advocated for UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence as a global framework grounded in human rights, transparency, fairness, and human oversight, urging participants to develop practical newsroom guidance that upholds rigorous verification and data protection. UNESCO also highlighted its broader work on AI and journalism ethics, connecting newsroom practices to the protection of freedom of expression, access to information, and media pluralism. This involved examining safeguards for confidential information, verifying AI-generated material, disclosing AI usage, and ensuring transparent corrections, while also considering AI tools’ performance in the Mongolian language and local contexts.

From ethical principles to newsroom practice

G. Gunjidmaa, Executive Director of MCM, warned that AI could amplify journalistic errors through rapid and widespread dissemination, yet stressed that the fundamental principles of journalism remain constant. She emphasized the continued importance of source verification, accuracy, personal data protection, and editorial responsibility, asserting that technology alone cannot make ethical decisions. Gunjidmaa stated that 'Professional ethics, editorial responsibility and media self-regulation will be the main shield protecting trust in journalism during technological change.' She also noted the growing trend of brief journalistic content, such as social media posters, cautioning that even short formats can harm individuals' rights and reputations if not handled ethically. Findings from a survey of 20 Mongolian newsrooms, presented by the NEST Center for Journalism Innovation and Development, provided professional context. The survey revealed interest in AI for reducing repetitive tasks and addressing staff shortages, alongside concerns about verification, information security, and newsroom readiness for responsible AI adoption. A panel discussion showcased practical applications: Business.mn described using Mongolian-language reference materials and editorial principles for AI-assisted technical editing, while Eguur News Agency developed its own solution for confidentiality and information security. These examples highlighted the necessity of balancing efficiency with investment, clear internal rules, and human oversight. The Forum also introduced draft ethical guidance and an adaptable newsroom AI policy framework for media organizations to adopt. Research and professional exchanges further explored synthetic media, deepfakes, and correction practices, linking emerging technological risks to established obligations for accuracy and accountability. The discussion was enriched by the participation of eight media professionals from different provinces and four university-based journalism clubs, strengthening ties between future journalists and the professional community.

Mandate: UNESCO's Role in Media Ethics

UNESCO's commitment to supporting the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in journalism is deeply rooted in its overarching mandate. This mandate is centered on promoting freedom of expression and ensuring universal access to information. It further extends to advancing the free flow of ideas and fostering the development of free, independent, and pluralistic media environments worldwide. Through its comprehensive programmatic work, which includes robust journalism education initiatives, dedicated efforts to enhance the safety and protection of journalists, widespread promotion of media and information literacy, and the crucial development of ethics for artificial intelligence, UNESCO champions a human-rights-based approach to navigate the complexities of contemporary technological transformation. This strategic approach is meticulously designed to achieve two primary objectives: first, to safeguard the vital principle of editorial independence, which is indispensable for credible and unbiased reporting; and second, to significantly strengthen public-interest journalism, ensuring that media platforms continue to serve their democratic function of informing, educating, and engaging citizens effectively. By focusing on these fundamental pillars, UNESCO aims to guide the evolution of journalistic practices to ensure that the integration of AI tools and technologies contributes positively to a well-informed, just, and equitable society, while steadfastly upholding fundamental human values and rights in the digital age.