8 April 2025 | Organizer: The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Team of Specialists on Gender-Responsive Standards
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to expand rapidly, it is crucial to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not neglected or rendered further invisible. AI systems, which are increasingly used in decision-making across various sectors such as healthcare, finance, recruitment, and public services, often inherit and amplify historical gender biases present in training data, model design, and algorithmic assumptions. These biases perpetuate systemic disadvantages for women and marginalized gender groups, reinforcing structural inequalities, limiting economic and professional opportunities, and restricting access to essential services.
Panel discussions
Impact of Gender Bias in AI
- Sergio Scandizzo, Head of Internal Modelling, European Investment Bank (financial services perspective) [Bio & PPT]
- Shirin Heidari, President GENDRO (healthcare perspective) [Bio & PPT]
- Costanza Bonadonna, Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Geneva (hiring process perspective) [Bio & PPT]
- Claire Somerville, Geneva Graduate Institute, EQUALS-EU Project (digital environment)
How to address gender bias in standards for AI
- Caitlin Kraft-Buchnan, Women @ the Table [Bio & PPT]
- Cristina Finch, Head Gender and Security Division, Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
- Youth perspective (to be confirmed)