This paper discusses the increasing interest and practice of applying AI in UN evaluations and the rationale for developing a more comprehensive guidance protocol for establishing responsible use of AI for evaluation. It presents five key ethical principles that underscore the responsible integration of AI in UN evaluation processes. At its core, this paper presents the principles of Transparency and Accountability; Fairness and Inclusivity; Data protection and privacy; Validity and Reliability and Human Rights- based AI Implementation, as central to the application of this ethical approach of utilising AI in evaluations, particularly when handling sensitive data from evaluated programmes and initiatives.
This document was prepared by the Data and AI Working Group 2025 and was approved as a UNEG Reference document at the Annual General Meeting 2025.
