On October 30, 2024, Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, addressed the Women4EthicalAI Conference, co-organized by UNESCO and its Women4Ethical AI platform, at UNESCO Headquarters.
According to the UNESCO Women for ethical AI: prospective study on artificial intelligence and genderThere is a 38% gender gap in AI research positions, and most global analyzes do not fully consider gender dimensions. Additionally, women face discrimination, misrepresentation, and are exposed to harmful content thanks to AI systems. To address these pressing issues, experts participating in the Conference highlighted the importance of implementing the gender equality policy area of the UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics (2021). Additionally, the event focused on crucial issues such as gender stereotypes in generative AI, women’s representation in AI development, and gender inequality in the AI job market. ‘AI.
In her address to the Conference, the President of the General Conference highlighted the critical need for ethical frameworks to ensure that artificial intelligence benefits everyone. Reflecting on discussions at the recent Global AI Ethics Forum in Slovenia, she emphasized that ethical AI is not only about technical standards, but is fundamentally about human rights and dignity.
She hailed the Women4EthicalAI conference as an important step in ensuring that women’s perspectives guide the development of AI, with a strong focus on tackling bias that disproportionately impacts women. “Incorporating a gender perspective is not optional: it is essential,” she said, emphasizing that AI technologies, if not carefully designed, risk perpetuating stereotypes and harmful inequalities.
She acknowledged advances in AI readiness assessment methodologies, emphasizing that applying a gender lens helps reveal how AI impacts women differently in various contexts.
Throughout her speech, the President urged advancing STEM education for girls and women, and including women at every stage of AI development, from ideation to deployment, calling for more of women leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs in this field. “When women succeed, entire communities benefit,” she noted, championing women-led AI initiatives as beneficial both economically and socially.
She concluded by emphasizing the importance of UNESCO’s core human rights documents and ethical guidelines in guiding the development of AI, calling on leaders to ensure that these principles explicitly support AI. gender equality. “Women4EthicalAI is not just a platform, it’s a movement for changeshe said, urging participants to continue working toward a future where AI is a force for good that uplifts everyone.
