On 1 February 2025, UN Today published an opinion piece by Jerome Silla (Research Associate, UNU-IAS) discussing biases and discrimination in AI systems.
The piece argues that by strengthening AI literacy for everyone, we can minimize biases and ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives in AI development, making it a force for good.
Excerpt:
Until AI literacy becomes a fundamental part of global education efforts, the cyclic bias and discrimination embedded in AI data and systems will remain pervasive. Investing in education that prepares all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, to be active participants in the AI revolution can be transformative. Only then can we hope to navigate towards a future in which AI serves to unite rather than divide, and to empower rather than marginalize.
The challenge of addressing algorithmic biases in AI systems is also addressed in a new UNU-IAS podcast exploring the intersection of AI, higher education and sustainability.
UN Today is a Geneva-based magazine reporting on matters relevant to international civil servants.
The full article is available on the UN Today website and in the February edition (online and print) of the magazine.
