24 Oct 2025 The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents numerous opportunities to improve lives around the world. However, it also raises serious ethical concerns. AI systems can unintentionally reinforce social biases, contribute to environmental degradation, infringe on human rights, and lead to various other adverse consequences, often disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups and exacerbating existing inequalities.In response to these challenges, 193 UNESCO Member States adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI in 2021, establishing the first global standard to help countries harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its associated risks.To support the implementation of the Recommendation, UNESCO developed the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) — a diagnostic tool that assesses a country’s institutional and regulatory framework for responsible AI governance across five dimensions: (i) legal and regulatory, (ii) social and cultural, (iii) scientific and educational, (iv) economic, and (v) technical and infrastructural. By identifying gaps and priorities, RAM helps countries enhance policies, strengthen institutions, and build capacities to ensure ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI development.Viet Nam launched its RAM in August 2024 under the leadership and guidance of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), and with the financial support of the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships. The RAM coincided with Viet Nam’s most ambitious administrative reform to date, aimed at streamlining the state apparatus and restructuring national governance around the “Four Pillars” of innovation, international integration, legal reform, and a dynamic private sector.The RAM was conducted by a multidisciplinary expert team drawn from policy research institutions and relevant government agencies. Strong public sector participation ensured government ownership of the process.An executive summary and report highlights are available at the UNESCO Global AI Ethics and Governance Observatory.This Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) is supported by the European Union-funded project “Supporting Member States in lmplementing UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Al through lnnovative Tools."