The Intersection of AI, Human Rights, and SDG#9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure

UNA-USA SDGs & SMEs Series in partnership with the UN and the U.S. Department of State. 

The rise of artificial intelligence has rapidly transformed the global landscape, touching every sector from healthcare and education to finance and governance. As AI technologies continue to evolve, their impact on human rights, both positive and negative, has become a subject of intense discussion. This virtual program–through the lens of SDG#9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure–will convene thought leaders, industry buffs, and human rights advocates to discuss the implications of AI on human rights from both a U.S. and global perspective. Subject Matter Experts from the U.S. Department of State and from the International Telecommunications Union, the UN’s specialized agency for information and communication technologies, will offer multifaceted perspectives on this hot topic to foster a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising from the integration of artificial intelligence into various aspects of society.

 

Event Information

Ursula Wynhoven

International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Representative to the United Nations, New York

Ursula Wynhoven joined the ITU in September 2017 as its Representative to the UN in NY. Previously, Ursula spent 14 years working for the UN Global Compact, where her last position was Chief, Social Sustainability, Governance & Legal and she was a member of the office’s Executive Committee. Ursula led the UN Global Compact’s social sustainability and governance platforms and workstreams, including on human rights and decent work, gender equality, poverty and inequality, peace, anti-corruption and the rule of law. Ursula also led legal affairs and oversaw policy development and implementation of the UN Global Compact’s integrity measures. Ursula began working with the Global Compact in 2002 and as one of the earliest staff members played an active role in helping to grow the initiative to more than 13,000 signatories in more than 160 countries with a full roster of workstreams advancing virtually all aspects of corporate sustainability.

Jesse Dunietz

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow, Office of Internet Freedom and Business & Human Rights, U.S. Department of State

Jesse Dunietz is a versatile professional with a diverse background in science, technology policy, AI research, human rights advocacy, and science communication. Currently serving as an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the State Department’s Office of Internet Freedom and Business & Human Rights, Jesse collaborates with governments and corporations to ensure that emerging digital technologies, including AI, are harnessed to protect human rights globally. Engaged in climate change and AI at Climate Change AI (CCAI), they lead the organization’s blog and contribute to media and public relations efforts, uniting AI and environmental concerns. With a strong commitment to human rights, Jesse’s involvement extends to the International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination (ICAAD), where they examine the intersection of AI/data science and human rights. As an AI researcher, they have made significant contributions, from shaping AI research metrics at Elemental Cognition to developing machine learning models as a Google intern. At Carnegie Mellon University, Jesse’s work encompassed creating data resources and automated systems, while their role as a Science Communication Trainer showcased their passion for effective communication.

Sanskriti Deva (Moderator)

Quantum engineer, STEM education activist, and UNA-USA National Council Member

Sanskriti Deva is an Indian-American inventor, quantum engineer, and the youngest elected National Council member on UNA-USA’s National Council. She is currently studying computer engineering at North Carolina State University. She was elected at 17 years old, still serving representing the Southeast Region. Sanskriti is an engineer at the beginning of her career. She has taught over 10,000+ students from the high school to graduate level quantum computing and has led several grassroots initiatives to help make STEM more accessible. She has worked on numerous high impact engineering projects. Sanskriti has been featured in numerous news outlets and gone viral on social media for her work, amassing over 1.6 million views. She is also a prolific public speaker having previously been a host on a professional radio show and spoken at Harvard University amongst other engagements.

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