UN WomenITUUNICEF

Action Coalition for Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality

Global

With the rapid digitalization of work, school and social life stimulated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of technology and innovation to achieving gender equality and inclusive development have never been clearer nor more urgent. From a gender perspective, specific applications of AI and machine learning have shown the greatest risks of bias and misuse, like facial recognition and deep fakes. The AI world today is almost entirely dominated by men and we find societal biases relating to gender roles and identities embedded in social programs and services via automated decision-making. Data modelling such as predictive policing or social intervention increasingly transcends the individual to focus on groups or communities, making women more at risks of being discriminated. UN Women’s role and mandate is to reaffirm the need to focus on diversity and inclusiveness when developing AI technologies. Ensuring that societal values are reflected in algorithms and AI technologies will require no less creativity, hard work and innovation than developing the AI technologies themselves. In order to drive action and unite efforts from across governments, private sector and civil society, UN Women is convening partners working on gender and technology as part of the Generation Equality Forum. An Action Coalition focusing on innovation and technology will be launched in 2021 to generate innovative ideas for policies and initiatives needed to accelerate progress for more gender-responsive AI. The Action Coalition will explore how to harness opportunities arising from the use of AI and overcome the challenges associated with algorithms. By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration through this new multi-stakeholder platform, the Coalition aims to inspire public and private partners to make strong and actionable commitments that will advance gender equality and women’s rights.

Activity Type Networks/Mentorship/ExchangePolicy/Regulatory GuidanceAwareness/Advocacy

ITU

AI for Good Film Festival

Global Switzerland

Bridging the power of technology, the art of storytelling, and the drive for positive social impact, the AI for Good Film Festival is an international competition that showcases how AI can expand creative possibilities in filmmaking while delivering a powerful, positive message about solving global challenges.
AI for Good invites all creatives interested in exploring the potential of AI in scriptwriting, storyboarding, image creation, digital effects, and more to submit original works that are generated or enhanced using AI tools. These submissions should transport audiences to new worlds, narratives, and eras, while exploring the ethical, social, and existential questions raised by AI and emphasizing the continued importance of human talent in the filmmaking process.

Activity Type Awareness/Advocacy

ITUUNU

Guiding Principles for Artificial Intelligence in Cities

Global Not Applicable

This initiative focuses on developing comprehensive guidelines and assessment tools to support cities in responsibly adopting AI technologies, ensuring inclusivity, sustainability, and ethical governance. The project's focus is on practical tools for evaluating AI readiness and governance gaps.

Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory GuidanceNetworks/Mentorship/Exchange

ITU

AI in radiocommunications

Global Not Applicable

AI is used to optimize workflows for broadcasting, improve audio and visual quality, efficiently utilize the frequency spectrum, and automate content creation and targeting. AI is also deployed for spectrum management and radio monitoring activities.

Activity Type Research/Reports/Assessments