Nigerian Professor Chidi Oguamanam Joins UNESCO's Global Ethics Commission

In a move that underscores Nigeria's growing influence in global discussions on science, technology, and innovation, Professor Chidi Oguamanam has been appointed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology. This prestigious appointment, which will run from 2026 to 2029, is a recognition of Oguamanam's extensive contributions to the field of ethics in science and technology. According to a letter from UNESCO, the commission serves as an independent advisory body that provides a platform for reflection on the major ethical challenges arising from advancements in science and technology. The letter stated, 'Recognising your significant contributions to the ethics of science and technology and related disciplines, it is my honour to invite you to become a member of UNESCO’s World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology for a period of four years, from 2026 to 2029.' Established in 1998, the commission is comprised of experts from diverse regions and disciplines who come together to examine ethical issues related to scientific and technological developments, as well as climate change and environmental concerns. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of regional balance in the commission's membership to foster multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary debates on emerging ethical challenges. The commission's role is to provide guidance and recommendations to UNESCO, its member states, the scientific community, policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders through its reports. The commission's previous work has contributed to the development of global normative instruments, including the Declaration of Ethical Principles in Relation to Climate Change adopted in 2017 and the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence adopted in 2021. Recently, the commission published reports on the ethics of quantum computing and space exploration and utilisation. Moving forward, the commission will focus on new areas identified for its future work programme, including emerging ethical challenges arising from scientific and technological developments. In inviting Oguamanam to join the commission, UNESCO expressed confidence in his expertise and expected him to contribute actively to the development of its forthcoming reports. The organisation also expects members to participate in 'horizon scanning' of emerging ethical challenges and help identify issues that should be addressed in the commission's next cycle. Oguamanam's appointment strengthens Nigeria's representation in international discussions on the ethical implications of science, technology, and innovation. He will serve on the commission alongside experts from different regions and academic disciplines during the 2026–2029 term.