Sustainability & AI
OECD AI Principles
Intergovernmental principles for trustworthy AI, adopted in 2019 and updated in 2024 to address general-purpose and generative AI.
Definition
The OECD Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence — the first intergovernmental standard on AI, adopted in 2019 and updated in 2024 — setting values-based principles for trustworthy, human-centred AI.
Quick reference
At a glance
- Subject
- Sustainability & AI
- Editorial status
- Editorial draft
- Definition status
- Established
- Last updated
- 21 August 2026
References
This source provides part of the technical or institutional basis for the definition.
This source supports the explanation of how the term is applied, measured or governed in practice.
Overview
What it means
The principles require inclusive growth, human rights and democratic values, transparency, robustness and accountability, with policy recommendations to governments on investment, capacity and international cooperation. The 2024 update addressed general-purpose and generative AI. The G20 adopted the principles, giving them reach beyond OECD membership.
How it is used
Governments use the Recommendation as a reference for national AI strategies; the OECD. AI policy observatory tracks implementation. The principles also frame the integrated GPAI partnership's work, including attention to AI's environmental dimensions.
Why it matters
As the baseline intergovernmental AI text, the OECD principles shape what 'responsible AI' means in law and corporate policy worldwide — including the expectation that AI development respects environmental sustainability.
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