Technologies enhanced or augmented by artificial intelligence (AI), such as facial recognition, predictive analytics, and automated decision systems are being deployed at fast pace. Often, regulatory frameworks struggle to account for the evolving innovation, creating a critical gap for human rights protection. Frontier technologies such as AI tools, if deployed without proper safeguards, can threaten privacy through excessive data collection, amplify discrimination, and undermine transparency through complex “black box” systems, curtailing or encroaching on fundamental rights and freedoms. To ensure a secure and purposeful implementation of AI systems carrying out human rights due diligence is key. Recent incidents, such as biased facial recognition leading to wrongful detentions and automated welfare systems incorrectly denying benefits, illustrate why governance frameworks must account for systemic risks and unintended consequences in AI deployment, especially in vulnerable communities,

One way to proactively mitigate and prepare for these new frontiers and more open innovation is for rights-conscious organisations to develop and deploy such technologies applying our own best practices to them. The United Nations and its agencies and partners are actively testing AI applications that improve humanitarian response, monitor human rights violations, and they are also implementing rights based due diligence across the lifecycle of digital technologies to ensure their development and deployment are aligned with human rights. Data is a critical and integral part of this picture – how it is governed, protected and used.

This side event explores the AI products and services within the UN and development ecosystem and its application in real word systems with a view to informing open innovation, capacity building and international governance, while safeguarding human rights.  These sessions explore the application of AI along the crisis-to-development continuum, and how its responsible use will shape the delivery of improved protections, assistance and digital public goods at a time when the most vulnerable are more exposed than ever. This side event, held during the 28th Annual Session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), examines these complex dynamics through a human rights lens.

The side event aims to:

• Critically examine the relationship between AI technologies, data governance, and human rights protection.
• Analyse the implementation of AI systems through the lens of human rights, specifically with respect to privacy, non-discrimination, access and the role of the private sector.
• Present and assess global case studies where AI has been applied in human rights contexts, offering practical insights and lessons learned.
• Engage in a dialogue on strategies for ensuring the rights-respecting use of AI technologies, with a particular focus on marginalized and vulnerable communities.
• Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in human rights-sensitive contexts.

The side event will generate valuable discourse on the critical issues of data protection, governance, and the application of AI technologies, with an emphasis on human rights protections. Specific outcomes include:

• Providing actionable insights and lessons learned from real-world applications to inform ongoing UN dialogues and policy discussions.
• Contributing to the global policymaking process surrounding AI governance and human rights.
• Enhancing international cooperation and knowledge sharing on AI applications within human rights and development contexts.
• Showcasing key case studies on the responsible deployment of AI within international organizations, particularly in areas where human rights and data protection are paramount.

This side event is open to all approved participants of the 28th CSTD.

Panel 1: AI Deployment in Global Contexts: Real-World Application, Tools and Use Cases (45 minutes)

Moderator: Irene Kaggwa, ITU/UNICEF Giga Project 

• Anwar Mahfoudh, OHCHR, Chief  Innovation and Analytics Hub
• Ashutosh Chadha, Microsoft, Senior Director UN Affairs and International Organizations
• Francesca Bosco, CyperPeace Institute, Chief Strategy Officer
• Philippe Marc Stoll, International Committee of the Red Cross, Technologies and Armed Conflicts

Panel 2: Data and AI Governance in Human Rights-Sensitive Contexts (45 minutes)

Moderator: Nicole Manger, Artificial Intelligence & Digital Technologies in Foreign Policy, Directorate General for International Order, the United Nations and Arms Control, German Federal Foreign Office

• Tim Engelhardt, OHCHR, Human Rights Officer
• Lance Bartholomeusz, UNHCR, General Counsel
• Domenico Zipoli, Geneva Academy, Geneva Human Rights Platform
• Maria Paz, Global Partners Digital, Head of Policy and Advocacy