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Neuroscientist Lucia Machová Urdzíková attended the second meeting of the UNESCO Expert Group on the Ethics of Neurotechnologies

Other Published on 11. 09. 2024 Reading time Reading time: 2 minutes

At the end of August, the second meeting of the Ad Hoc Expert Group on the Ethics of Neurotechnologies (AHEG) took place at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where neuroscientist Lucia Machová Urdziková, Deputy Head of the Department of Neuroregeneration, is also a member.

At its initial meeting in April 2024, the AHEG prepared a first draft text of the Recommendation (first outcome document). This text went through an extensive consultation process in order to collect the views of a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring an open and inclusive elaboration process. Over 25 consultations took place at the regional, sub-regional and national levels between June and July 2024, in parallel to an online global survey.

The aim of the August meeting was to discuss and finalize a draft Recommendation based on the input and results of the comment process.

Our discussions covered critical topics, including health and mental health regulations, protection of children and vulnerable populations, as well as consumer and employee rights. We also addressed the unique challenges faced by indigenous communities in terms of equitable access to these technologies. This was at a particularly significant time, as the Paralympic Games were held in Paris, highlighting the role UNESCO plays in promoting inclusivity, ethics and accessibility in all areas of life. Although there are still many steps to go, it is becoming clear that in an era of unregulated neurotechnologies, there will soon be a framework in place to address these concerns“, says AHEG member and co-author of the proposal Lucie Machova Urdzikova.

The final version of the Recommendation will be shared with Member states in September 2024, marking the beginning of the intergovernmental consultation process, which will extend into 2025.

More information can be found in the official press release (open in a new window).