Science, Technology and Innovation in an AI-Powered Future: The Gender Inclusion Imperative for Economic Transformation
Artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant science, technology and innovation developments of our time, with the potential to contribute up to USD 20 trillion to the global economy by 2030. However, this potential is constrained by persistent gender inequalities across the AI value chain. Women remain significantly underrepresented in AI research and design, are largely invisible in training datasets, and face lower rates of adoption of emerging AI tools, particularly in developing countries.
This side event will present evidence from recent analytical work of the Gender Advisory Board showing how gender exclusion in AI limits economic performance and innovation outcomes. It will highlight three critical gaps: women’s underrepresentation in AI research and leadership; gender bias and invisibility in data and algorithms; and persistent adoption divides linked to unequal access and meaningful connectivity.
The discussion will move beyond technical training solutions to examine how women’s meaningful participation in ideation, problem definition and decision-making processes can unlock the full economic potential of AI. Panelists will share policy-relevant evidence and practical experiences demonstrating that gender-responsive approaches to AI governance and innovation consistently outperform exclusionary practices.
The objective of the event is to inform policymakers and stakeholders on how inclusive science, technology and innovation policies can strengthen AI-driven economic transformation, while advancing commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals and ongoing global digital governance processes.
The confirmed panel members are as follows:
- Alice Rangel de Paiva Abreu, CSTD Gender Advisory Board, Professora Emérita, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
- Ritu Agarwal, CSTD Gender Advisory Board, Professor, Johns Hopkins University, Founding Co-Director Johns Hopkins Center for Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence (CDHAI)
- Anita Gurumurthy, Executive Director, IT for Change
- Ana Neves, CSTD Gender Advisory Board, Head, Office for the Information Society and Internet Governance, FCT-FCCN, Portugal
- Moderator: Caitlin Kraft-Buchman, CSTD Gender Advisory Board Co-Chair, CEO Women At The Table / <A+> Alliance for Inclusive Algorithms / <AI & Equality> Initiative
