About UNICC
The United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) has over 50 years of experience as the largest strategic partner for digital solutions and cybersecurity within the United Nations system. We design and deploy transformational digital tools and programmes to support over 90 partners in fulfilling their mandates.Activities by UNICC
Gender Bias Overview Tool (GenBOT)
Global United States
The Gender Bias Overview Tool (GenBOT) project involved a partnership among UNICC, UNFPA, and Columbia University Capstone participants from 2024. Gender bias in datasets, particularly in the field of machine learning and AI, has been a long-standing issue. Despite efforts toward inclusivity and diversity, women remain underrepresented in various stages of tech development, leading to inherent biases in datasets. These biases perpetuate themselves in the development of machine learning models and algorithms, causing skewed or inaccurate outputs that reinforce existing gender disparities. To address this issue, UNICC collaborated with UNFPA and Columbia University (students and faculty) to develop GenBOT, an adaptable data-auditing solution that provides users insights on gender bias in their datasets through automated AI analytics. The tool aims to guide stakeholders in creating equitable, gender-inclusive technologies and services.
Context Matters: A key lesson learned was the importance of context in evaluating gender bias. The definition and scope of bias need to be carefully defined with stakeholders to ensure the tool's effectiveness. Thresholds and Metrics: Determining appropriate thresholds for gender bias detection was a significant challenge. The team used established research and studies to refine the metrics used in the tool, ensuring that they aligned with best practices. Stakeholder Collaboration: Continuous communication with stakeholders such as UNFPA and UNICC was crucial in refining the bias thresholds and understanding their specific needs for gender bias detection.
Development of an Open AI-enabled BOT Platform for UNECE
Global United StatesThe Development of an Open AI-enabled BOT Platform for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) project was a collaborative effort conducted between UNICC and Cornell University Break Through Tech Capstone participants from 2024. The project aims to develop an AI-driven BOT platform powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) designed to assist policymakers, research students, and other stakeholders in efficiently querying and extracting relevant knowledge and insights from the extensive UNECE PDF documentation and library. This platform will help stakeholders quickly access critical information needed to make informed decisions, particularly in the areas of sustainable energy and climate change.
Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsResearch/Reports/AssessmentsVirtual Legal Assistant (VLA) for UNHCR Rights Mapping and Analysis Tool (RIMAP)
Global Not ApplicableUNHCR is integrating an internal Virtual Legal Assistant (VLA) powered by AI into its Rights Mapping and Analysis Platform (RiMAP). The VLA will process and analyze legal documents to facilitate legal data collection and policy analysis, and its functionality will be expanded to a chatbot to provide user-friendly legal information.
Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsPolicy/Regulatory GuidanceUnify HR Chatbot Solution (under UN WOMEN ICT initiatives)
GlobalThe UNify HR Chatbot is an interagency collaboration involving multiple UN organizations, developed by the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC). This AI-based solution is designed to streamline HR policy inquiries and it aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of HR processes across multiple agencies.
Activity Type AI Tools/Solutions