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

ILOITU

ILO-ITU Discovery AI & Work Webinar Series (AI for Good)

Global IndonesiaKenyaNetherlandsPolandUnited States

This series is curated by the ILO and hosted on the ITU’s AI for Good platform to bring cutting-edge research and global evidence on how artificial intelligence is transforming labour markets, job quality, skills, and worker protection. Each session features ILO experts and leading global researchers presenting new data, analytical tools, and policy insights on AI’s real-world impacts across countries and sectors. The series provides a trusted space for social partners, policymakers, and practitioners to better understand emerging risks and opportunities, and to explore strategies for ensuring that AI adoption leads to inclusive, human-centred outcomes in the world of work.

Activity Type Trainings/WorkshopsAwareness/Advocacy

ITUFAOUNICEFWMOIAEA

AI/ML Competitions (“Challenges”)

Global

A flagship collaborative platform where thousands of students and professionals design and test AI models for real-world use cases, including communication networks and Geospatial AI. The challenges aim to strengthen technical capacities and contribute to ITU’s standards development.

Activity Type Trainings/workshopsTechnical assistanceResearch/Reports/Assessments

ITUUNESCO

Artificial Intelligence for the Public Sector

Global Not Applicable

The Artificial Intelligence for the Public Sector Training is a funded programme designed to build practical AI capacity among public sector professionals. It equips selected participants with the knowledge and tools to understand AI systems, assess their risks and implications, and develop concepts for AI-driven public services grounded in real-world use cases.

Learning Objectives:
Describe AI systems and identify their core components
Relate AI systems to present-day use cases in the public sector
Assess the risks and implications of an AI system
Develop the concept of an AI-based service in the public sector

Fellows receive financial support to participate, covering course fees and engagement activities, and join a cohort of practitioners committed to applying AI responsibly to public policy and service delivery challenges.

Activity Type Trainings/WorkshopsFellowship